Overall Impression We enjoyed our spring visit to the waterfront John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in part because at times it felt almost like a stroll in the park. We anticipated that the 66 acre estate was too large to explore in a single day so we had narrowed our selection to fit into the morning. Once we were there we liked it so much we spent the day.

Although there was a line of people at the entrance there were few tourists on the paved walkway toward Ca’d’Azan, the Ringling’s historic home on Sarasota Bay, where we made our way through the ground floor before the guided tour began. We explored the 27,225 square foot Italian inspired Mable Ringling Rose Garden, enchanted by the colorful and fragrant roses. After a coffee break we headed to the Museum of Art, where we walked the long air conditioned galleries admiring the fine art collection.

In the early afternoon we headed to Muse at The Ringling for a light lunch on the waterside terrace. A cool breeze made the meal especially pleasant as we watched the water feature and the entrance to Tibbal’s Learning Center from our shady table. Tibbal’s and the Original Circus Museum, two adjacent buildings for circus fans, were next. It was almost the end of the day when we exited the museum, exhausted yet pleased.

The variety at the expansive John and Mable Ringling Museum was a salient aspect we appreciated. From its pretty Bayfront Gardens with native and exotic species, historic waterfront home, lovingly maintained rose garden, fine art museum, circus museum, circus models and foodie lunch venue we were never bored.

Average Duration of Visit The attraction website recommended four hours for the self-guided highlights itinerary.

Children The property welcomed children of all ages.

Established 1930

Handicapped Access There was uneven terrain across the estate. Access in historic buildings might have been hampered for individuals with limited mobility. According to the museum website, a limited number of wheelchairs was available on a first come first served basis, and caregivers were admitted free of charge.

Languages There were two-page flyers in seven languages on the attraction website.

Location One mile from the airport

Number of Employees 150 (and 500 volunteers)

Owned-Managed According to the museum website, since 2000 the estate had fallen under the stewardship of Florida State University.

Size The 66 acre estate housed some 14,600 artifacts (estimated) in nine buildings, and welcomed 400,000 visitors a year. According to a spokesperson, the collection was vast and most of the items were not on public display.

Transportation A car seemed the most convenient way to reach the museum. There was ample free parking. Within the estate there was a complimentary tram.

Restaurant Muse at The Ringling, in the Visitors Pavilion, offered indoor and outdoor seating.

Souvenir Shop There was a shop in the Visitors Pavilion.

Other An error by the staff resulted in our receiving the wrong admission pass, which caused a thirty minute delay in our admission to the strictly guarded Ca’d’Azan. Photography was permissible except within Ca’d’Azan. Flash photography, tripods, and selfie sticks were forbidden. There were two-page flyers in seven languages on the website.

Month of Visit April 2018

Reviewers

Article by Elena del Valle

Photos by Gary Cox

Would You Visit This Attraction Again Yes

Overall Impression Since I specialize in writing about history and align my travel with that interest, I should have visited Atlanta long ago. The burning of the commercial capital of the Confederacy in November 1864, memorialized in Gone with the Wind, was the symbolic end of the rebellion. If General William Sherman had not driven out the rebels two months before, Abraham Lincoln would likely not have been reelected and one of the anti-war candidates would have sought peace with the South. The Northern public was discouraged by the failure of dozens of attempts to take Richmond, the Confederate capital, and weary of the bloodshed that is hard for us to even imagine (new research shows that the traditional figure of 620,000 dead was far too low; the better estimate of was 785,000 at a time when the total population North and South was only 31 million. The equivalent today would be nearly eight million dying in four years). My wife, Sandra Wells, and I went there primarily for the Atlanta History Center, the Jimmy Carter Presidential Museum, the Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Site, and the Georgia Aquarium (the world’s largest, which deserved the AAA guidebook’s recommendation to spend five hours there).

The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta exceeded our expectations, which were high. We loved the subtly luxurious décor, the abundance of fresh flowers in common areas and rooms, the knowledge and proactive service of staff, the comfortable beds, the quietness of the room despite the location in a district with entertainment venues and business and government offices, and the short walk to major attractions, with a hub for the easy-to-use Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) subway-bus system next door. A Club Level upgrade allowed us to drop by a lounge that was convenient for small meetings and had plentiful food, snacks, and beverages all day. The biggest surprise was AG, a bar and steakhouse that specialized in fine wines and whiskey, which would not normally be our fare, but thanks to the guidance of those serving us, we thoroughly enjoyed. We would return.

Children The hotel offered children a complimentary Ritz Kids activity book with crayons and a self-guided scavenger hunt in the hotel. There was also a menu for children at AG, the restaurant.

Class of Accommodation Luxury hotel

Cleanliness Excellent

Connectivity High-speed WiFi was $9.95 per day (complimentary with Club Level and for Marriott Rewards members). There was complimentary Internet access in the lobby.

General Manager Erwin Schinnerl

Handicapped Access According to a representative the hotel was completely Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible in public areas; there were three fully-accessible king bed rooms with roll-in showers, as well as eight half-accessible rooms with bars in the tubs for assistance (accessible rooms had a 32-inch wide doorway). Guests could request special kits with alarms and phone extensions.

Head Concierge Victoria Edmond

Languages There were staff who spoke Spanish and Italian.

Length of Stay Two nights

Location The hotel was 11 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the busiest in the world with 100 million travelers coming through each year, which made the city a good place for global business (the Delta Airlines headquartered were there and there was a museum of flight). It took us about half an hour to reach the hotel. The Peachtree Street hub for MARTA, the modern, efficient, and clean subway and bus system, was next to the hotel (we bought a four-day unlimited pass for $21 each). The hotel was a six block walk from the Philips Arena (home to the NBA’s Hawks and WNBA’s Dream), the brand new Mercedes-Benz Stadium (NFL’s Falcons), the College Football Hall of Fame and Chick-fil-A Fan Experience, the Georgia Aquarium (the largest in the world and worth spending five hours there), CNN’s headquarters (which had an interesting backstage tour), the World of Coca-Cola, and the Center for Civil and Human Rights (an interactive museum).

Managed Ritz Carlton

Owned Ashford Hospitality Trust

Pets No, only service animals were welcome.

Size There were 444 rooms on 25 floors, with 295 employees.

Year Opened and Date of Most Recent Renovation The hotel opened in 1984. Remodeling of the restaurant AG was completed in 2016.

Lobby and Common Areas The entry was striking, with a massive, pleasantly abstract painting hovering over a polished dark hardwood floor and stairs, which led down to the lobby and Lumen Bar and up to the restaurant and bar, AG. The lobby floor was marble of pale pink with white streaks and some color designs, but the most notable aspect of the décor was lots of exotic flowers (including orchids) with their roots in ice. There were paintings of leaders from Atlanta history on the walls.

Lumen had subdued lighting, dark wooden floors, and comfortable seating. AG’s colors were black-and-white, which matched the photos on the walls from Atlanta’s history, as well as the tile in the breakfast area and was compatible with the dark wood floor. The second floor hallway, outside of AG, had dark wood walls and floors, overlaid with a red carpet that had swirling gold designs, while the hall to our room had yellow carpets with red geometric designs, soothing light yellow wallpaper and pleasant abstract paintings.

Outside of the conference rooms there were pale, high-backed sofas with a low table in between and a blue carpet with gold flower designs. The fitness center had dark wood floors. The Club Lounge (which provided all-day access to food and beverages, complimentary Internet, a large-screen TV in a separate section so it could be watched without bothering others, and niches for meetings) had yellow marble and dark wood floors, with comfortable blue couches. There was a small, quiet corner called The Library. Throughout the public spaces chandeliers were elegant and cast a subtle illumination, not attracting attention to themselves. Elevators were surprisingly fast for a tall building. There was also a spectacular atrium connecting The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta to the adjacent office building at 191 Peachtree Street.

Bathroom It was small, given the spacious room, but adequate. Its marble bathtub was low at 13 inches tall (good for handicapped accessibility), 54 inches long by 22 inches wide, with a shower curtain and rain showerhead. There was a single sink. The water pressure was strong.

Room We stayed in room 2402, a Club Level King Deluxe on the same floor as the Club Lounge. It was 334 square feet large and functional with a view of the business district. The hotel appeared serious about its non-smoking policy: a sign notified guests that a $250 fine would be imposed on anyone caught smoking. Lighting was soft, yet better than at many hotels we have visited, which have fallen into the trend of using pinpoint lights as part of their minimalist aesthetic that makes it hard to see clearly. There was a dark wood cabinet and oval desk with a chair, as well as a stuffed chair by the window. The carpet was off white, the wallpaper either a straw or satin color. There were abstract paintings on the wall. There was a dark wood panel at the head of the bed. The feather medium firm mattress and feather pillows were extremely comfortable (available for purchase from the company website). The linens were Italian Frette.

We signed up for the Club Lounge, which provided access to a lovely setting where we could have meetings or relax and enjoy a variety of complimentary food and drinks from early morning until late night; a “hotel inside the hotel,” it had complimentary WiFi, a PC and a Mac, a large TV, and concierge services to guests.

Food and Restaurants As natural food lacto-ovo vegetarians, we do not find most mainstream restaurants of much interest. Only Sandra drinks alcohol occasionally. We were spoiled by the Club Lounge when it came to breakfast and snacks, which had not only The Ritz-Carlton’s brand of coffee and related beverages, but its own not-too-sweet granola, as well as customized omelets, delicious Southern grits, fried sweet potatoes, gourmet dates, quinoa, and dried blueberries and vanilla goat cheese combo that tasted like cheesecake. Although we did not try them, there was a host of meats and fish, as well as desserts, cordials, liqueurs, beers, wines, and spirits.

The sign on Peachtree Street still advertised the Atlanta Grill, but the main restaurant had been recently completely reinvented and renamed AG, sometimes with the subtitle “a modern steakhouse.” It did not sound promising for us, but general manager Eddie Elrod, executive sous chef Gilles Schreiber, server Arnoud and his assistant Shah headed up a team that did a superb job. Arnoud, a first-level sommelier, selected a red wine (Sancerre Pinot Noir) and a white (Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis) to sample and Sandra was impressed with their taste and power (having so much fun she forgot to write down the years). Then came a sample from the restaurant’s personal barrel of WhistlePig rye whiskey, aged 10 years. Kaiyah came over from the bar and used a torch on wood chips to add smoke to the glass before she poured the whiskey. She said the AG’s Smoky Old Fashioned has a cult following.

Our server team recommended we try the BBQ Tofu, Angel Hair Pasta, Jumbo Grilled Asparagus, Mushrooms and Cipollini Onions, Tomato Soup, and the spicy Buffalo Cauliflower. Sandra’s enthusiasm for each dish might have been fueled by the drinks, but I can state without bias that it was some of the best-prepared food we had ever had and in generous portions. By the time we finished we had been there two hours and had to practically force ourselves to squeeze in the desserts, Pistachio Cheesecake and Panna Cotta Bar (raspberries, raspberry sorbet, and frangipane), with Sandra sampling a Chateau Gutet Premier Muscat dessert wine approvingly.

Amenities In our room there was an iPod docking station. Tech help and equipment were available on request, including surge protectors, power converters and adapters, chargers for mobile phones and laptops, and Ethernet jack-packs. The small closet in our room had one lightweight cotton robe. It also had a safe, a flashlight for emergencies, a Voyager iron, and full size ironing board. There was a shoeshine kit (and complimentary overnight shoeshine on request) and full-length umbrella (which was important when it rained heavily one day unexpectedly). Toiletries were in 1.5 ounce bottles from Asprey. There was a stocked mini refrigerator with room for personal items. Ice was available down the hall. The Nespresso coffeemaker had the Ritz-Carlton’s locally-formulated coffee, along with Origins teas (we did not use these because the Club Lounge on our floor made fresh coffee early and on the lobby level there was a Jittery Joe’s Coffee Shop). In-room dining was available round the clock. Local and national newspapers were placed by the elevator in the early morning. Chauffeured transportation was available, though we did not need it because of the fast MARTA system. In the bathroom, the makeup mirror had the inadequate lighting of almost every hotel where we have stayed, and there was a Pro-Vera hairdryer by Jordan, as well as a comb (but no hotel seems to provide hair brushes, perhaps because of the need to clean them). A nice touch was a dental kit with a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Facilities There was a staffed business center on the third floor offering copy, print, fax, ship, secretarial, translation, and notary services. There was a 997-square-foot fitness center equipped with Life Fitness equipment and open 24 hours a day seven days a week. For a fee, guests were able to go into the 191 Resolution Fitness club next door, which had more equipment, steam, sauna, and a variety of fitness classes. There was also a gift shop.

Conference Facilities The hotel had 17,000 square feet of event space in 18 rooms, which could accommodate groups of 10 (365 square feet), 700 (6,468 square feet) and up to 1,500 (18,000 square feet). I was unable to enter the large meeting rooms because they were always busy and organizers did not want photos taken. The Distillery, a private dining room in AG, had a wooden floor and a long wood table to accommodate a couple of dozen guests in front of a display of the hotel’s premium spirits.

Other Local calls were subject to a $1 surcharge. We were impressed with alert security staff, which we only noticed because we visited right after the Las Vegas mass shooting. We particularly appreciated staying at The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta, located in the heart of downtown, due to my having recently interviewed Bill Marriott, former chief executive officer of Marriott International, which owned The Rita-Carlton Hotel Company. Having last reviewed a Ritz-Carlton hotel when we stayed at the one in Hong Kong in 2002, I wanted to see what the experience was like, now that I understood his standards and systems. Marriott International has dozens of brands, but according to him each has the same management approach, which results in a much higher retention of long-term employees than competitors (managers average 25 years versus Hilton Hotels’ 15 years, he told me); and Marriott properties hire for friendly personality and dependability, since technical skills can be trained. The Credo Card that guides the Ritz-Carlton’s motto of “ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen” includes a commitment to “uncompromising levels of cleanliness,” the “ownership and immediate resolution of guest problems,” and “empowerment to create unique, memorable and personal experiences for guests.” The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta received the Forbes Four Star rating in 2016 and 2017 and was named one of the Conde Nast Traveler Top 40 Hotels in the South in 2017. At the time of our visit, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards program had an excellent reputation.

Reviewers

Photos and Article by Scott S. Smith

Service The room was cleaned twice a day and there was turn-down service. During our stay, when I talked to random hotel staff as needed, to the Club staff, a security guard, and restaurant staff they were able to answer questions. The staff we encountered were helpful.

Overall Impression One of the first features we noticed about The London Hotel West Hollywood At Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, California was its convenient location just off the Sunset Strip and within a short walking distance from legendary nightclubs and popular restaurants. The newly acquired property completed a $27 million makeover and renaming. As West Hollywood residents, my wife and I are familiar with the hotel’s neighborhood. We recently spent two nights discovering the re-branded and remodeled property.

It was clear from the beginning of our stay that the renamed hotel was intent on attracting a more sophisticated traveler and lifestyle connoisseur than the previous owners had been. The new management had turned the one-time notorious property into a glamorous Hollywood star. We liked the hotel’s beautiful redesign, our 725 square foot Vista Double Suite, spectacular rooftop views, and outstanding (and safe) location.

Children The London Family Program included a special children’s menu, a welcome gift of Paddington Bear finger puppets, kid-size plush bathrobes, resources for toys and books, as well as salon offerings for Mommy and Me and Daddy and Me.

Class of Accommodation Luxury hotel

Connectivity Complimentary high-speed WiFi and wired connections in rooms and WiFi in common areas.

General Manager Jeffrey Kulek

Handicapped Access There were suites that met the guidelines of the Americans With Disabilities Act in the Vista and Crown categories, according to a representative.

Head Concierge Sarah Dandashy

Length of Stay Two nights

Location It was 11 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (we allowed an hour in either direction because of traffic and airport construction). It was outside Beverly Hills on the border of Beverly Hills and Hollywood Hills, where so many celebrities and entertainment executives live. It was a block south of the Sunset Strip, within walking distance from the upscale restaurant and shopping area of Sunset Plaza. It was also a brief drive to Rodeo Drive, the Pacific Design Center, The Grove and Farmers Market, TCL Chinese Theatres, Century City, Universal Studios Hollywood, Getty Center, and the Hollywood Bowl.

Owned Northwood Investors LLC

Pets The London Hotel had a symbolic bulldog mascot named Garbanzo as part of its theme, appearing as sculptures and gift items. There was a $100 non-refundable deposit per pet stay, plus $20 a day in cleanup fees. We saw half a dozen dogs while we were there. West Hollywood may be the dog capital of the world, with every kind of imaginable service offered by a myriad of small companies, as well as indoor playgrounds and resorts. This was in large part because 40 percent of residents were gay, according to the city, and companion animals were popular with the community, with many visitors coming in for special events (the HBO series The L Word about local lesbians was set here).

Size The hotel had nine stories in a building that occupied all but the driveway on 2.6 acres. It had 226 rooms and employed 300 (estimated).

Year Opened-Renovated It opened as the Bel Age in 1985 and was bought by the Wyndham chain, which made it famous as the setting for many scenes in the prime time teen soap opera Beverly Hills 90210 (1990-2000). The Blackstone Group bought it and closed it for renovation in 2007, reopening in 2008. It was purchased by the current owners in 2014, who added a floor of rooms, completely redesigned the look, added amenities, changed the restaurant, and upgraded service.

Lobby and Common Areas The redesign by the David Collins Studio was striking in the lobby. Everything gleamed, with white marble floors inset with black-and-white handcrafted mosaic tiles. There were a few black-and-white photos on the lobby walls of the inside of cathedrals, emphasizing geometric designs, but little art throughout the hotel in keeping with its minimalism, a classic look to keep it from becoming dated. The few stylishly modish (not over-stuffed) blue couches, low marble tables, fireplace, and clock prevented the lobby from seeming cold, while keeping most of the space open.

To the right of the entry was the check-in counter managed by Ellie Goneva. Will answered our questions about the property and assisted us when we had trouble using our key in the elevator. When we later mentioned that an item was missing in our mini refrigerator when we arrived and there were no ingredients to make coffee, asking not to be charged for them, he went further, comping us two cocktails on the rooftop, a sign of empowering front line employees to make smart service decisions. Next to the front counter was the concierge desk, staffed by half a dozen, some of whom who answered our most obscure questions. They provided us with restaurant recommendations at nearby Sunset Plaza.

The foyer to the left of the lobby led to the Boxwood at the London restaurant, as well as the lounge, gift shop, salon, and screening room. The foyer had the same type of floor as the lobby, with padded couches and white-shag-covered chairs around low black tables. There was coffee and tea in front of the Boxwood before it opened each morning. It was open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and also served meals on the roof and in the neighboring lounge (there was a bar at the entry to the restaurant and on the roof). The restaurant and the bistro lounge (called the Sitting Room) had beautiful wooden floors; the Boxwood had blue and red padded chairs and long seats, while the bistro featured overstuffed blue and pale green chairs and couches. The bathroom, with black and white tiles, was one of the most beautiful we had ever seen. The Screening Room had 110 seats for movie premieres and special events. The independently-operated Alex Rodan Salon offered hair styling, nail, and beauty services. The Alex Rodan Gift Boutique had unusual high-end items, such as a one-of-a-kind wood burl bowl and a large golden bowl engraved with optimistic words and phrases.

To the right of the lobby were conference rooms. The hallways elsewhere in the hotel were softly-lighted and had a light gray and noticeably padded rug with the design of a brown labyrinth and multicolor (beige, tan, light green, or pale yellow, sometimes with paisley or abstract patterns) wallpaper. One final touch we experienced for the first time anywhere was a subtle flowery signature scent throughout the public areas.

Hampton Court, accessible from the third floor, was an outdoor multilevel event space with trees and white roses, artificial turf, a giant chess board with movable pieces for those who wanted to play. On the rooftop were the pool, private cabanas, a bar, Boxwood’s rooftop restaurant, lots of outdoor couches, chairs, and tables shaded by large umbrellas, games like Giant Jenga, and live entertainment on Wednesday evening and at Sunday brunch.

Bathroom It had two features by Waterworks that stood out immediately. One was the deepest tub we had ever seen at 19 inches. With a width of 28 inches and length of 59 inches, it could hold 136 gallons of water. The walk-in shower with a 7-foot-tall mirror was 4 feet wide and 7.5 feet long, with a power showerhead at one end and a rain showerhead above at the other, adjacent to a handheld showerhead. The floor was inlaid with the black-and-white tile. There were oversize towels, a deep sink, a Conair 1875 hair dryer, and a better-than-most makeup mirror (it is rare to find one that provides enough light to do proper close-up makeup, just as there never seem to be combs, brushes, floss, or toothbrushes).

Room We stayed on the fifth floor in Vista Double Suite 406, designed by David Collins and Richard Design with an  open plan of 725 square feet (68 square meters). It seemed spacious, even with two double beds, which had comfortable mattresses and down and synthetic pillows.

The staff changed linens (350-thread-count Italian Fili D’oro) on arrival and every third day to minimize impact on the environment, unless otherwise requested (towels left on the bathroom floor were changed daily). The room was immaculate (we allowed cleaning once, but refused turndown service). Sandra, my wife, thought the air was “perfect,” neither seemingly heated nor cooled. The light gray carpet was noticeably padded and easy on our feet. The wall across from the beds was of bleached oak and mirrors. Double drapes allowed in some light when one was open, and blocked light completely when both were drawn. The lighting was pinpoint, which we found inadequate at times.

The closet in one corner was spacious, with six of each of three types of padded hangers and many drawers in the neighboring closet. There were tables and lamps beside and between the beds, with an iHome in the middle to plug iPods, iPads, or iPhones. There was an L-shaped, silver-gray and white sofa around a low glass table with home decorating and urban lifestyle magazines, while near the balcony two chairs were around a game table with a tic-tac-toe set. The desk was a single marble slab without legs, a low chair beneath it, and above was an LG LED flatscreen television 42 inches wide by 24 inches tall. There were devices in the closet to connect iPads and laptops to the television. A DVD player was available on request. Several phones were available and the wake-up calls came from a live person, rather than an automated system. The kitchen niche had a deep sink. There was a detailed Logistics booklet to help visitors know what there was to see and do in the area and how to get there.

Other than the shower and the soaking tub, the most unusual feature about the room was the balcony (which the hotel called a terrace). It was designed for privacy and space, with a cover, a couch, and a small table to hold drinks and snacks. A sign on the wall let guests know that any noise after 9 p.m. was a violation of an agreement with neighbors and could result in the guest not being allowed to return (a remarkable show of good citizenship in an industry in which bad behavior by guests tends to be indulged to the detriment of nearby residents). The view to the north was of Hollywood Hills, where many celebrities and entertainment industry executives lived, some office buildings and lots of trees, as well as the legendary music venue the Viper Club. There was a large window on the southeast side with an overview to the distant south, including the massive red-and-blue Pacific Design Center, which had every kind of home décor line and service. Despite being near a nightclub area, the room was remarkably quiet, thanks to the multiple window panes and good wall insulation.

Food and Restaurants The new Boxwood restaurant under Chef Anthony Keene sought a reputation for pairing British classics with California flavors. We are natural food vegetarians, so not the best ones to judge the cuisine, but we enjoyed lunch, especially the open-faced omelet with avocado, roasted sweet potatoes, and butter lettuce (presented with a pretty design). We also liked the fresh mozzarella pizza with kale, pistachios, tomato, and mushrooms, the black forest cake, and pumpkin creme brulee, as well as the green tea and iced Brazilian monoarabica coffee.

The complimentary breakfast included regular coffee, one type of granola (good and not too sweet), a few breads, meats, and cheeses, plenty of fruit (fresh and dried), three fresh-pressed juices. We liked that almond milk was available, a welcome addition not only for vegans and the lactose intolerant. For those who prefer sugar alternatives there was Truvia (stevia and erythritol).

Amenities The room closet had two luxurious, cotton-lined bathrobes (purchasable for $200 each), an Elsafe, a commercial Hamilton Beach iron and half-size ironing board (a full one was available on request). Toiletries in the bathroom were 3.5 ounce bottles from Bigelow Apothecary. On top of the mini refrigerator were beverages and snacks for sale. A front desk staff person gave us complimentary house brand spring water in refillable bottles when we checked in. Also for sale was a Romance Kit for $8.50 (condoms, massage oil, breath mints, and other items). The refrigerator was stocked with beverages for sale. Ice could be had from room service. There was also a Keurig coffeemaker and a selection of teas. At the entry to Boxwood and the Sitting Room there were complimentary copies of the The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Los Angeles Times. Personal trainers were available for hire at the fitness center.

Facilities In addition to the Boxwood and the salon, there was a 24-hour business center and a new 2,000 square foot fitness center on the first floor (with four treadmills, three elliptical machines, two life cycles, upright bicycle, recumbent bicycle, octane machine, free weights, heavy bag, high intensity internal zone, TechnoGym Kineses Station, and Synergy 360T Combo).

Pool The heated rooftop pool was surrounded by four private cabanas for six (for rent in six hour blocks), sun decks, many chairs and chaise lounges. The pool was 15 feet wide, 18 feet long, and 5 feet deep at one end and 3 feet deep at the shallowest end. Sunscreen was available poolside at no charge with a choice of 30 or 50 SPF.

Service The room was serviced twice daily

Conference Facilities The Kensington Ballroom was 3,965 square feet (368 square meters) and could accommodate 400 for a reception and 250 for dinner and dancing (there was also an adjacent hallway with 1,241 square feet or 115 square meters of space). The Metropolitan Suites held 50 for reception, 120 for dinner and dancing. The Hampton Court was 6,850 square feet (663 square meters) large and appropriate for outdoor events, where 500 could fit in comfortably for a reception, 300 for a ceremony. The Penthouse, with 11,000 square feet (1022 square meters), could hold 400 for receptions, 250 for dinner and dancing. Boxwood restaurant could be rented for 125 at a reception, 50 for dinner and dancing. The Sitting Room had space for 125 at a reception, 50 for dinner and dancing. The Screening Room had 110 plush seats and there was an adjacent salon for cocktails prior to the screening. Rooftop West had space for 400 at a reception, 250 for dinner and dancing. The Pool Deck had room for a reception for 400, 250 for dinner and dancing.

Other The London Hotel was one of only two in West Hollywood to receive the AAA Four-Diamond rating in January 2017 (none received Five Diamonds). There was an 11,000 square foot (1,022 square meters) penthouse. The remaining rooms ranged from 750 to 2,200 square feet (70 to 204 square meters), named, in approximate order of low-to-high price: London, Vista, Vista Double, Vista Accessible, Crown, Crown Accessible, Royal Vista, London One-Bedroom, One-Bedroom Gate, Two-Bedroom Gate, One-Bedroom Metropolitan, Two-Bedroom Gates, Two-Bedroom Metropolitan, Three-Bedroom Metropolitan, and Penthouse.

Reviewer

Photos and Article by Scott S. Smith

Overall Impression Bad weather, malfunctioning airline computers, and poorly-trained employees caused my new bride, Sandra Wells, and I to start our honeymoon spending most of the first day running from one end to the other of the world’s busiest airport in Atlanta. We had gotten up at 3 a.m. and were sleepwalking by midnight when we arrived at The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia. The stunning hotel lobby on two levels woke us up as we checked in, erasing some of our sour mood and tiredness.

The Jefferson was built by a Richmond importer, Lewis Ginter, who lost his first fortune during the Civil War, after serving as a major in the Confederate Army. He moved to New York, where he became rich again through banking, but lost most of his assets during a recession. At age 50, he returned to Richmond and made more millions in tobacco, sold the company, and entered real estate. He traveled the world and brought back art he planned to place in a new hotel. The Jefferson (named after his favorite president) was built at a cost estimated at $5 to $10 million (equivalent to $146 to $292 million today). It opened on October 31, 1895 and a week later, an engagement party was held on the rooftop for Irene Langhorne and Charles Dana Gibson, the famed illustrator of the Gibson Girl (the personification of female attractiveness at the turn of the century). Later guests included 13 United States presidents, among them Woodrow Wilson, Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, both Bushes, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama. Others who stayed were Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, Sir Edmund Hillary, Gertrude Stein, Charles Chaplin, Elvis Presley, and Frank Sinatra.

We have stayed some of the world’s top hotels and while other reviewers might give a property a high ranking because of, say, its restaurants, exercise facilities, or room décor, those were not our priorities. This was our best overall hotel experience ever, for the following reasons in descending order of importance: the bed (we consider ourselves connoisseurs of comfortable sleeping); the quiet environment inside and outside that part of the building; the bathroom; the unusually experienced and helpful staff (they made no mistakes in their interactions with us and were proactive in offering services, such as access to a complimentary chauffeured car); the gorgeous lobby; value for money; and The Jefferson’s colorful history (especially in the context of Richmond as a fantastic destination for history buffs).

Children All ages welcomed. There were special activities for the little ones and child care services.

Class of Accommodation Luxury hotel

Connectivity There was high speed WiFi in the room and common areas.

Handicapped Access The hotel had five Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant rooms.

Head Concierge Jeanita Harris (with the hotel 30 years)

Length of Stay Two nights

Location The hotel was downtown, nine miles (15 minutes) from the Richmond International Airport and a few blocks from the oldest part of town, Shockoe Slip, whose buildings were well-preserved and had lively new businesses.

Managing Director Joseph Longo (with the hotel 17 years)

Owned Historic Hotels, Inc., owned by the Riverstone Group, part of Richmond businessman William H. Goodwin Jr.’s real estate firm.

Pets Pets were welcome, including all types of dogs, for a $50 per pet, per day fee, as long as they were trained and on a leash. Dog walking and pet sitting were available.

Size The eight story tall Jefferson was 292,000 square feet large and its land occupied an entire city block. There were 200 full-time and 100 part-time staff.

Year Opened-Renovated The hotel opened in 1895 and it had had many renovations since. In 1901, The Jefferson burned down. It reopened six years later, maintaining its original mix of Beaux Arts and Renaissance Revival architectural styles. A combination of factors caused the property to go into decline and it was closed in 1980, then restored and reopened by a developer in 1986.

In 1991, a Richmond investment group bought it and redesigned the hotel in time to host the Fortune 500 Conference two years later. In 1994, it was awarded the American Automobile Association Four Diamonds recognition. The hotel continued to receive it until another reconstruction began in 2013. The work was largely invisible to us because sections being remodeled were screened off (the plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning systems were completely redone). It was very near completion when we were there, turning the original 262 rooms into 181 larger ones (with an average increase of 31 percent), including 15 suites (in increasing order of price: Premier King Guestrooms, Grand Premier King Guestrooms, Grand Premier Queen Guestrooms, Richmond Suites, and Ginter Suites).

Lobby and Common Areas The Palm Court on the ground level was where most guests entered. The first space had the concierge desk on the right and the Business Center on the left (accessible 24 hours a day daily with a room key). The check-in desk was on the far side of the Palm Court. Beyond that there was a round area with couches and overstuffed chairs under a Tiffany stained-glass skylight, dominated by a marble statue of President Thomas Jefferson. A beautiful staircase linked it to the lower level’s Rotunda, with its glorious yellow marble columns and stained glass ceiling 70 feet (21.3 meters) above (in 1987, CBS News host Charles Kuralt called the Rotunda “arguably the most beautiful public room of any hotel in the country”). Original art, prints, and classic black-and-white photos of Richmond lined the walls of the hotel and rooms, while classical music soothed the soul in common areas. Also on the Rotunda level were Gators Gifts & Coffee Bar, TJ’s Restaurant and Lounge for casual breakfast and lunch, and Blooms for flowers (decorated with a humorous Easter bunny theme). There was a niche about the history of the hotel, with photos, newspaper clippings, and artifacts. The fine dining restaurant Lemaire was off the Palm Court.

Bathroom At 100 square feet (9.3 meters) the bathroom may have been the largest we have ever had. The floor was white Carrara marble from Italy. The toilet was in its own little room with a phone. The soaking tub was 47 inches long and 18 inches deep, with a capacity of 55 gallons (one of the few comfortable for my long frame). The walk-in rain shower was easy to use. There was plenty of counter space on the double sinks area, with lots of cotton balls and swabs, and an Andis Ceramic Ionic 1875 Hairdryer (alas, this, like almost all over top hotels, did not provide a comb or brush or have a mirror with strong enough light to do makeup right). The towels were oversize. There was a padded bench for dressing, like the one at the foot of the bed. The most remarkable aspect was the Electric Mirror, a TV screen set into the large mirror and operated by remote control.

Room Although the entry area had lifted our spirits after the difficult trip, it was only when we walked into our Grand Premier Room 132 (600 square feet or 55.7 meters) that we felt truly refreshed. We eagerly consumed the welcome plate of fruit, berries, and cheese ($21), while Sandra poured herself a cup of Graham Beck Brut Pinot Noir and Chardonnay ($36). There was a set of buttons by the door to let the staff know electronically whether we needed anything or did not want them to enter the room. A small bathroom was next to the door with a washcloth on the sink tied up in the hotel’s distinctive peacock fan style; there was also a vanity table and mirror next to the bathroom.

A chandelier lighted the room from a high ceiling. At one end there was a couch and overstuffed chairs around a low glass table with magazines like Preservation, the publication of the National Trust for Historic Preservation (Richmond has one of the nation’s largest number of designated historic buildings and is an architecture buff’s paradise). The table also held a Marble Queen Pothos plant (also known as Devil’s Ivy). Next to the bed was an iHome music system, which we turned off, and a dual-line telephone. The large flat-screen television had premium cable. It was about to be replaced by a 49-inch, high-def, slim-line LG, we were told.

While we appreciated room décor, which was lovely, what was most important to us was the comfort of the bed. The astonishing thing about most travel guides is that they typically fail to rate the beds, as if most people would be happy with whatever was offered, while we have found big differences. The Jefferson mattress was handcrafted and could be ordered from the gift shop, along with its extra comforter and the exceptional pillows (half feather, half down; hypoallergenic available). The sheets were 400-thread count Egyptian cotton. There was a padded bench at the end of the bed for convenience while dressing.

The next morning we looked out the windows for the first time (which we wanted to open for fresh air, but could not, the norm for hotels these days; fortunately, the air conditioning and heating controls were easy to operate). The view of the modern city was nice.

Food and Restaurants We had breakfast the first morning at the hotel’s TJ’s Restaurant and Lounge. Being lacto-ovo vegetarian, we tried the Greek yogurt, the three-egg omelet (with goat cheese, mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes), and grits (which we had never tried before). All were delicious.

That night, we went to the Jefferson’s fine dining restaurant, Lemaire, which received the 2017 AAA Four Diamond award. We spoke with Patrick Willis, executive chef, who worked his way up the kitchen ranks for a decade before his appointment nearly two years earlier. He wanted to make the restaurant a destination for locally-sourced New American Cuisine and talked enthusiastically about the farmers who work with him to provide fresh and unique items. Our main dish was the Saffron Acquerello Risotto with oyster mushrooms, roasted garlic, pea tendrils, and spiced gastrique. We tried the Manakintowne Specialty Growers Fresh Cut Lettuces, with cherry tomatoes, English cucumbers, shaved radish, pecorino, and red quinoa. We also sampled Whole Roasted Romanesco Cauliflower (petite kale, semi-dried tomatoes, pearl onions, hard-boiled egg, and black truffle vinaigrette). Portions were small, as we expect from Nouvelle Cuisine. For dessert we enjoyed the Pecan Pie Bread Pudding and Butterscotch Bourbon Anglaise.

Amenities There were Molton Brown of London toiletries in 1.7 ounce bottles. The Jefferson offered a choice of newspapers delivered at no charge, including the Richmond Times-Dispatch and USA Today (others were available for a price). The mini refrigerator was a well stocked mini-bar with high-end alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks (we did not sample any). Local phone calls were free. The closet had an electronic safe, iron and ironing board, bathrobes, and large umbrella. We did not use them, but the hotel made available six classic Dutch bikes, with helmets and combination locks, for three hour periods at no charge (arrangements had to be made for pick up with a specially-equipped SUV). We never used our in-room Nespresso coffee maker and supplies, preferring to enjoy the fresh-ground Royal Coffee served in the Palm Court at 6 a.m. (thankfully early compared with most top hotels; it also offered stevia, our favored sweetener that is often scarce elsewhere). Guests had privileges at the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA).

Facilities In addition to the two restaurants, The Jefferson had a spa (independently operated) and a swimming pool. A 3,000 square-foot fitness center was open round the clock. It had cardio exercise equipment with personal flat screen televisions, weight training machines and free weights, as well as massage therapy rooms, showers, and restrooms not open to the public.

Pool The indoor pool was 15 feet by 18 feet, five feet at the deepest end and three feet at the shallowest.

Conference Facilities We took a peek at the 26,000 square feet of event space oft used for conferences and weddings. The Grand Ballroom was lavishly decorated, with gold-detailed ceilings and elaborate chandeliers; the Empire Room had 30-foot windows with beautiful draperies; the Flemish Room had African mahogany paneling and silk wallpaper. The James River Conference Center was constructed from a restored private residence attached to the hotel, ideal for small groups and those needing spaces for small breakout meetings or which require extra security. The Presidential Hallway had five rooms for small meetings. Special events had been held in the Rotunda. Two executive board rooms had up to 10 seats.

Other In 2017, the American Automobile Association (AAA) bestowed The Jefferson its coveted Five Diamond Award, which emphasizes outstanding service compared with elite hotels and restaurants worldwide. The Forbes Travel Guide (formerly Mobil) also awarded it Five Stars, making the Jefferson one of only 51 properties in the United States to receive both.

Cleanliness Excellent

Date of Review April 2017

Reviewers

Photos and Article by Scott S. Smith

Service Our room was serviced twice daily. All staff we interacted with were self-assured and well-informed. During our stay we met Jennifer Crisp, who had been with the Jefferson for two decades (many of the staff, had served for many years, a rarity in the hospitality industry, which has an annual turnover rate of 72 percent, according to one source).

Would You Stay There Again? Yes

Overall Impression We felt instantly welcome when we arrived at the Meranova Guest Inn, tired and hungry from a long drive. Within minutes we were settled in our rooms, one fronting a central garden and the other facing the town’s most popular street. While I declined the owner’s generous offer of a cocktail I immediately pounced on one of his homemade brownies. We found the owners Frank Baiamonte and David Roy to be efficient, punctual, knowledgeable about the area, and gracious hosts.

The name of the property meant Sea Star from the words mer (French for sea) and nova or bursting star. To honor it there was a starfish on the property logo. The location in the heart of Dunedin, steps away from Main Street, could not be beat. We appreciated the amount of labor and dedication the owners had poured into the property over the years. In David’s own words, “We have been able to do everything ourselves on the property except for income taxes and fix refrigerators.”

We liked the spotless and quiet rooms with comfortable furnishings and amenities, especially the covered porch with an outstanding view of Main Street and a comfortable rattan set to wile away the hours, as well as the lovingly manicured gardens and gazebo. Should we return to Dunedin the Meranova Guest Inn will be our first choice for accommodations.

Children The Inn welcomed children over 14 years of age.

Class of Accommodation Luxury bed and breakfast

Connectivity There was complimentary high speed wireless internet throughout the property for guests.

Handicapped Access The property had one room, The Cottage, that was handicapped accessible. It had a nearby parking space, a ramp, and a paved path to the swimming pool. The owners had welcomed blind, deaf, and wheelchair confined clients in the Cottage.

Length of Stay Two nights

Location On a short street off of Main Street in the town of Dunedin, Florida

Owned and Managed Frank A. Baiamonte and David P. Roy

Pets Allowed No

Size There were eight rooms, Suites and Apartments in the three quarter acre property with a staff of three. There were five distinct garden rooms, three buildings including the two story Main House, the stand alone Cottage and the two story Carriage House where the commercial kitchen was located (the owners lived on the top floor).

Year Opened-Renovated The well maintained property opened in 2000. The owners updated and renovated as necessary.

Lobby And Common Areas While there was no lobby as such the gardens and pool served as common areas. The best way to reach the owners was by phone (there were no phones in our rooms, making a mobile phone helpful). In addition, there was a bell by the pool for guests to ring during the day, if they needed to contact the owners. The single family home from which the Meranova was created was originally an Edwardian Saltbox dating to 1910. The original builders used Dade county southern yellow heart pine for the floors, walls and ceilings. Following the hurricane of 1929, the house was divided into four units and began to fall on hard times. In 1997, the new owners bought the property and refurbished it extensively.

The decorative style of the new owners was “eclectic contemporary, a blend of old and new with original art works purchased from all over the country.” Avid collectors of antiques sourced from thrift stores, estate sales, and church tag sales since the early 1980s David and Frank found a home for their treasures at the Meranova. Some of the furnishings included late 1800s varietal grape prints from Italian Swiss Colony, antique Korean Tansu (chests), Japanese wood block prints of sea life in the Sea Suite, mid century Eames chairs in the Contemporary Suite, and a 1930 Art Deco bedroom set and armoire in the Art Deco Room. The original walls in the Plantation Apartment were bead board made of the indigenous pine from the area that the owners stripped and “pickled” with platinum stain.

Bathroom In my room, across from the bed a door lead to an earth tone square shaped bathroom with corner sink, toilet and rimless shower with a curtain. It had stone colored tile. To the right there was a round frame-less vanity mirror above the sink. Across the bathroom from the mirror there was a rattan and wood cabinet with cotton swabs, tissues, body lotion, room deodorizer, and glasses on top. There were handicapped bars next to the toilet on the wall. My travel partner’s bathroom, in earth tones as well, was rectangular and had a sink, toilet and bathtub shower combination with a shower curtain.

Rooms Concrete circles along the garden led the way from the white fence at the front of the building where we parked to my 600 square foot stand alone room, the Cottage. It was handicapped friendly and furnished with California Mission style furniture. On the walls there were 250 year old English botanical prints. The owners built it in 1998 to accommodate several needs. It was barrier free from the handicapped parking through the pool. Also, the space could be used as a dining room for special events.

The entrance, via double wood and glass doors painted white, led into a single room with an adjoining bathroom. It had polished concrete flooring with four individual carpets. There were six large windows, three to the right and three to the left of the entrance. The windows and doors had blinds for privacy. The room had an earth tone color theme and high ceilings. The temperature was controlled via a single wall unit air conditioner, an upright fan and two ceiling fans.

To the right of the entrance, there was a kitchen with a sink, Rival microwave oven, Holiday mini refrigerator, coffee maker, and two burner stove. A metal glass topped dining room table with a pretty sand and seashell decorative feature and two armless cushioned chairs occupied the corner nearest the front window. There was a sound system in the kitchen cabinet with a DVD player, about half a dozen CDs, and speakers on the wall. Lighting came from the fans and wall lights, a night table lamp, a lamp hanging over the kitchen table and recessed lights in kitchen.

To the left of the entrance, there was living area with a cloth striped sofa, square glass topped coffee table and small matching stool facing a Visio flat screen television, which sat on a glass topped wood and metal cabinet. Fresh flowers were in a vase on the corner of the cabinet. The bedroom area was behind it. A queen bed with a wood headboard was set against the wall. A mosquito net hung above the bed from the ceiling and was tucked behind headboard. To the right of the bed there was a wood night table with a small clock, flashlight and lamp. A Scandinavian fabric (some stains marred the lower left side) hung on the back wall near the bed. An antique looking wood cabinet with a mirror on the door faced the entrance. Across from the bed, against the wall, there were two small glass topped wood tables beneath a wood framed mirror. There were many tourist brochures for local attractions in one of the drawers. Atop the table there was a lamp and a vase with decorative flowers. There were two luggage racks in the bedroom.

My travel partner’s 550 square foot Asian Suite was in the front of the main building to the right of the external steps. It had an “M” on the glass door and a covered private porch facing Main Street. It was the property’s most popular unit and one of four Suites available for short term stays.

The entrance led to a lounge area with two oversize armchairs and a coffee table between them. To the left side there was a small table with a flat screen television on it. A door-less opening led to a bedroom with an en suite bathroom. In the center there was a bed framed by two night tables. Toward the back of the room there was additional space. The room had a sink, mini refrigerator and microwave oven. A door-less wooden cabinet provided shelf space. There were wall air conditioners, fans, and cord covers over the cables in both rooms of his suite.

Inside our rooms, we did not hear the sounds from the nearby busy streets (there were two street events that weekend), special events or ambient noise thanks in part to the loud air conditioners. There were kitchen utensils, cutlery, dinnerware and some disposable plates in the rooms.

Food The owners served us full gourmet breakfasts at the time of our choice between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. We selected the covered porch of my travel partner’s Asian Suite. We liked its comfortable rattan furniture and enviable view of Main Street and the classical auto show taking place that Saturday. There was orange juice (from a bottle), fresh coffee and tea, fat free yogurt with seasonal toppings, a large fresh fruit plate, seasonal egg entree, and bread basket with sweet and savory toasts. Frank cooked keeping in mind guest dietary needs and restrictions, and he did his best not to repeat the same breakfast during a guest stay unless requested, he explained. Since we only spent two nights there we never approached their record of 19 different breakfast dishes served to the same guest.

For our first breakfast the entree was an open sandwich made with thick seeded toasted bread topped with cheese, arugula, mushrooms and bacon, plus a poached egg. There was a pretty fruit platter with sliced papaya, cantaloupe, apples, watermelon, peeled tangerines, and red grapes. There was also yogurt with honey and fresh raspberries. On our second day, Frank prepared a Florentine omelet with asparagus and toasted almonds for my travel partner, and sauteed tofu, asparagus and toasted almonds for me. There was also yogurt with nuts, toasted bread and orange cranberry pound cake. There were two halves of a wine poached pear topped with crumbled cheese, walnuts and cranberries. Its mild flavors were perfect for breakfast.

Raised in a hotel and restaurant family in Key West, Florida Frank moved to New Orleans, Louisiana when its cuisine was becoming famous. While there he apprenticed for five years and helped open three restaurants. He relocated to San Francisco during the farm to table and California Nouvelle Cuisine movement. Eventually he opened his own restaurant in the city’s financial district, specializing in American regional comfort dishes.

Amenities On arrival we found in our rooms the day’s edition of The Tampa Times, the local daily newspaper, fresh flowers, a single serving of brandy in a snifter, two yummy homemade brownies, and two Dove bite size chocolates for each of us. There were self service hot beverage amenities as well as microwave popcorn, and filtered water in each room. There were individual size Garden Elements toiletries of conditioning shampoo and body lotion, a small bar of soap in the sink, and a different bar of soap in the shower. There were also umbrellas.

Facilities A gated swimming pool

Pool There was a 15 foot by 30 foot pool inside a gated area adjacent to The Carriage House. The depth ranged from three to five and a half feet. There were comfortable loungers, an umbrella and pool towels.

Other Parking for Meranova guests was off street. There were two parking spaces in the front of the building, steps away from my travel partner’s suite, and additional parking in the rear, steps away from my room. The owners recycled and used a minimum of pesticides and harmful chemicals. Occupancy was limited to two persons per unit. The accommodations, all with private entrances, had the following themes: Sea Suite, Asian Suite, Art Deco Room, Plantation Apartment. Traditional Suite, Southwest Suite, Contemporary Suite, and the Cottage. They varied from modified efficiencies to room with full kitchens, ranging in size from one to four rooms plus baths.

Cleanliness Very good.

Date of Review October 2015

Reviewers

Article by Elena del Valle

Photos by Gary Cox

Service David and Frank were welcoming, friendly and helpful. During our stay they went beyond the usual requirements. For example, after I asked about a bakery nearby to celebrate a special occasion a box with three pastries showed up on my doorstep.

Would You Stay There Again? Yes

Overall Impression While in Dunedin on Florida’s west coast we were unsure what to expect in terms of fine dining. We heard from several locals that The Black Pearl was the place to go. Named by the previous owner’s grandfather, who owned a jewelry store and loved black pearls, the small restaurant was conveniently located on Main Street, a short walk from our bed and breakfast.

After a six hour drive across the state and barely enough time to change for dinner we were tired and hungry. As soon as we entered the dim lit interior Trevor Gibbs, manager, introduced himself and ushered us to our corner booth table near the door. The comfortable seats and warm welcome went a long way toward helping us relax. Soon Ronald Maupin, maitre d’Hotel, arrived with a smile. His enthusiastic descriptions of the specials of the day and menu highlights added a personal touch to the experience and made us look forward to our dinner. We also had a chance to meet the restaurant’s new owner, Zachary Feinstein, who on request contributed his own recommendations.

We liked that the restaurant butchered all its own meat and sourced all produce, mostly organic, locally. From the soup amouse bouche to dessert our meal was delicious and the attentive and friendly service a perfect match. Should we return to Dunedin The Black Pearl will be at the top of our list of fine dining restaurants.

About the Executive Chef He had studied in Vancouver, Canada prior to working at The Black Pearl.

Executive Chef Christopher Artrip

Handicapped Access No

Location In Downtown Dunedin

Opened-Renovated The restaurant originally opened February of 1994. In June 2014, the current owner purchased the business.

Owned And Managed Zachary J. Feinstein

Restaurant Manager Trevor A. Gibbs and Ronald Maupin was maitre d’hotel

Size The 982 square foot restaurant employed 10 staff and could accommodate 36 guests

Sous Chef Robert Parks

Type of Restaurant French New American Fine Dining

Decor-Ambiance The window and the interior were decorated Art Deco style. We sat on cushioned built-in seats. There was air conditioning and a fan. Oldies music played in the background. Although the restaurant was on the town’s busy Main Street it had a quiet, dim lit, romantic atmosphere. Our table had a double tablecloth, gauze covered lamp, and a single red rose in a silver tone vase. There was Villeroy and Boch dinnerware. On the wall behind us there was an Art Deco themed haut relief

Cellars Wine And Alcoholic Beverage Selection Some of the restaurant’s hallways were lined with its boutique collection of 142 different wines. Most of the wine was available by the bottle only. There were four house wines (pinor noir, cabernet sauvignon, pinor grigio, and sauvignon blanc) and a handful of menu wines available by the glass.

Meal We began with a lovely amuse bouche of Wild Mushroom Bisque with port wine reduction. We nibbled on ciabatta bread served with garlic pesto and olive oil. The pesto had a sharp yet tasty kick to it.

For appetizers we had a Vermont Maple Glazed Pork Belly with White Cabot Cheddar Cheese Grits, and blueberry demi glace, a special of the day, for my dinner partner; and Wild Mushroom Tart with Roasted oyster and porcini mushrooms, Humboldt Fog, apricot jam, herbed arugula, and kataifi nest for me. The nest was light and delicate and the flavors of the dish were in harmony. Both appetizers were favorites. A Black Pearl Salad house salad accompanied our mains. They served it after the appetizers. It had mixed greens, Gorgonzola cheese, pine nuts, sherried currants, and warm poppy seed vinaigrette. We especially enjoyed the warm dressing, which they made fresh daily. The chef sent a palate cleanser of Thai Basil Mango Sorbet with mixed berry pearls, basil crystals. The combination of textures and flavors worked well, including the unexpected crunchy bits at the bottom.

The entrees were White Truffle Maine Lobster Risotto Topped with a butter poached Maine lobster tail, tomato confit, asparagus, pistachios, and roquette for my dinner partner (a favorite); and Twice Cooked, Long Island Duckling, slow braised, and grilled with cranberry demiglace for me. The dark leg meat was particularly flavorful.

For dessert we chose Bananas Foster Sauteed in butter, flambeed with dark rum, with homemade vanilla bean ice cream, grilled banana bread, topped with fresh whipped cream and prepared in the kitchen for my dinner partner (a favorite). He especially liked the banana bread made from the owner’s grandmother’s 100 year old recipe. My Falling Hot Chocolate Cake Rich chocolate cake with a warm molten center, topped with fresh whipped cream and a side of homemade vanilla bean ice cream kept me happy.

Other The only dish on the menu made from frozen was the New Zealand rack of lamb. The rest of the menu items were made to order from fresh ingredients.

The restaurant had been on the list of restaurants of the Tampa Bay Times since 2010. It had been on TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame since 2011, and listed in the Tampa Bay Magazine‘s Best of the Bay since 2010.

Date of Review October 2015

Number of Visits One

Reviewers

Article by Elena del Valle

Photos by Gary Cox

Service Staff were friendly, well informed and willing to make recommendations. I ordered one of the desserts that required extra time to prepare. When they brought my chocolate dessert and set it in the middle with two spoons we thought they had neglected my dinner partner. When we asked about a dessert for him they assured us with a knowing smile that his Bananas Foster was on its way. Although he had not actually ordered it one of the staff had overheard him say that was what he planned to request and placed the order.

Would You Dine Eat There Again-Recommend It? Yes

Overall Impression I found the Tranquil Vibe Day Spa, tucked away in a suburban neighborhood in Bloomington, Indiana, when I needed it most. Although it was only a 10 minute drive from my central location adjacent to the convention center, the ambiance at the spa was serene and inviting. It was the perfect break amid a week of back to back meetings and hectic schedules.

Eric Linder, co-owner with his wife Lori, was the smiling staff person at reception when I arrived frazzled after an unexpected delay locating a taxi. He was personable and friendly, making me feel instantly welcome. He and Taylor, my facialist, were considerate and service oriented. The Thursday morning I had my treatments the spa was an oasis of quiet and solitude.

I especially liked Lisa’s massage. She kneaded my muscles deeply, rubbing out well cemented kinks and knots in soothing silence. I left the spa feeling newly relaxed and ready to face a busy rest of the day.

From Eric’s warm welcome, to the pristine treatment rooms, the spa’s responsible business approach, and small touches like heated treatment tables, hot towels on my feet during the massage, hand massage during the facial, and portable hanging locker substitute I much liked the spa. Should I find myself in Bloomington in the future it will be on my short list of options.

Handicapped Access A staff person indicated the spa was handicapped accessible

Location The spa was about two miles or about 10 minutes drive from downtown Blommington.

Number of Staff There were 14 staff members, including eight massage therapists, four estheticians, and two coordinators.

Owned-managed Lori and Eric Linder

Size The spa was 2,000 square feet in size.

Special Training The owners, sharing a combined 23 years of industry experience, emphasized in house training focusing on: Client Care, Professionalism, Communication, and Product Knowledge. They provided ongoing staff training in house and monthly training from industry experts.

Treatment Rooms There were six treatment rooms: three massage therapy rooms, two skin care and waxing rooms and one custom designed and built hydrotherapy room with hand laid tile. All of the treatment room tables were handcrafted by Oakworks in the United States. They were, according to the spa, free of harmful dies and built from managed forest sources.

There were two hydraulic assist tables with a zero gravity design for prenatal massages. They were meant to reduce pressure on the back and hips during massages. The lighting and music throughout the spa were adjustable for client comfort and treatment tables were heated.

Year Opened-Renovated Established in 2013

Common Areas The owners were inspired by nature in decorating the spa in an effort to “free people to reconnect with nature allowing a greater escape from the stresses of life and today’s technology.” The color palette of earth tones was accentuated with bamboo, water and stone.

Amenities There were microfiber bath robes and slippers for clients scheduling multiple services. There were cloth hand towels in the restroom. There were also Sposh microfiber linens and blankets. In the waiting room, there were organic fruits, granola bars, herbal teas and water.

Lockers and Bathrooms In lieu of lockers the spa provided customers hanging cloth lockers which the therapists or estheticians carried to and from treatment rooms.

Other My taxi driver had to call the spa for directions despite the aid of a GPS (Global Positioning System). After that it took only a couple of minutes to arrive.

The spa recycled plastics, cardboard, glass and metals. About half of the spa lighting was LED or CFL. A staff representative explained that they replace bulbs as they expire with energy saving ones. Also, the owners chose the product lines applied during services and available for purchase, Glymed Plus, Bella Lucce and Farmaesthetics, because they were made from ethically sourced ingredients by companies with a commitment to the environment and packaged in recyclable containers. They also selected the companies because of their strong spirit of philanthropy including: supporting women’s and children’s organizations and cancer research, and other causes that aligned with the owner’s core beliefs.

Cleanliness Excellent

Date of Review August 2015

Number of Treatments Three

Reviewers

Article by Elena del Valle

Photos by Elena del Valle

Would You Return? Yes

Treatments Experienced I had three treatments, beginning with a 30 minute Hydrotherapy Session with Aromatherapy in a custom built hydrotherapy tub with more than 40 jets of warm water and air that targeted the whole body. I especially liked the effect on my feet. The therapeutic pulsing of water combined with the light aromatic scent of natural essential oils was designed to relax, and it did. The lights in the tub changed color. The session was a good way to transition from arrival to the treatments.

Next, I had a 60 minute Integrative Massage with Hot Towels from Lisa who used light to medium pressure, releasing tension and stress. It was my favorite treatment.

For the last service, I had a 60 minute Custom Deluxe Facial from Taylor with products from Bella Lucce. The emphasis was on the products with natural antioxidants and polyphenols to remove toxins and impurities “while fruit enzymes worked on skin texture, toning and replenishing minerals essential to healthy skin.”

Overall Impression Generally speaking, I prefer to see wild animals in their natural habitat where they belong. Increasingly, natural areas even near my home, are disappearing to make way for development, and leaving the wildlife that used to live there homeless and in harm’s way. That is why I was excited to discover the Zoological Wildlife Foundation, a five acre estate in suburban Miami where 100 endangered and rescued wildlife, mostly land animals, have a place to live.

Since part of the privately owned Foundation’s mission is to educate the public and serve as a zoo, it was possible to visit the facility, in small or private groups, by making an appointment in advance. We had the pleasure of seeing many of the residents during a General Encounter private tour, and a feline and primate interaction session. Many of the resident animals, such as tigers, cloud leopards, snow leopards, amur leopards and even caracal lynx are difficult or near impossible to see in the wild, and most of their original habitats are remote or faraway.

As part of the first portion of our tour, we saw and were able to touch or hold eagle and spectacled owls, kinkajou (a South American relative of the raccoon), red macaw (we had to stand three feet back from it, but it was not caged), baby alligator, baby red lemur and an albino Burmese python.

During the feline and primate encounter we were able to pet or hold caracal lynx, black jaguar, amur leopard, tiger, cinnamon capuchin monkey and gibbon (the primates wore diapers). Thanks to their small size (under 40 pounds or less) it was possible to hold some of them. Because they were young they were restless and hard to photograph. It was an extraordinary experience to be so close to those magnificent creatures.

The friendly and well informed tour staff enhanced our experience. We liked the thoughtful enclosures designed with the needs of each species in mind (such as an air conditioned section for the snow leopards, special soil for porcupines to dig holes, and water features for the tigers); the pristine and nearly smell free facility and animals; and how relaxed the beasts were during our visit. We would recommend the private tour, especially the primate and feline session, to our friends who enjoy close encounters and viewing wildlife in captivity.

Average Duration of Visit One to two hours

Description The Zoological Wildlife Foundation, a zoo and conservation facility, provided the public an opportunity to see at close range rescued and endangered animals. The facility offered small group and private tours by appointment only.

We saw, in caged enclosures, African white and tawny lions, tiliger (a hybrid from a mating of a tiger and liger which is turn is a hybrid from a lion and a tiger), American alligator, American crocodile, black and white ruffed lemurs, red ruffed lemurs, kune kune pigs, leopards, cloud leopards, snow leopards, black crested mangabey, colobus monkey, bearcats, porcupines, citron crested cockatoo, king vulture and toco toucans. We also saw standard, snow white, tabby and royal white Bengal tigers. We appreciated the opportunity to feed the two resident camels, as well as monkeys and two bearcats.

We were escorted by Briana Gregorio, team leader for tour guides, for the General Encounter portion of our tour. She shared information about the animals, including their pet names, age and origin. Her husband, Stephen Gregorio, zoo keeper and assistant in animal presentations, accompanied us during the feline and primate session. Both were at ease with us and the animals, helpful, and friendly.

Children The foundation welcomed children of all ages.

Established In 2001

Handicapped Access The facility welcomed handicapped visitors.

Location In a residential neighborhood in southwest Miami-Dade County, Florida.

Number of Employees There were 18 staff and two volunteers.

Open By appointment only

Owned-Managed Maria C. Tabraue and Mario Trabaue owned the for profit facility.

Size The five acre property housed more than 100 animals.

Transportation The best way to reach the facility was via private or rental car.

Tours Only small group or private escorted visits were available.

Other The last part of the road leading to the Foundation was unpaved, uneven and in parts had water filled holes from recent rains. Finding the facility was challenging. We were unable to follow the directions we had from an online source because there was construction blocking the road. We drove around the unpaved roads until eventually we arrived at the entrance, where two other vehicles were waiting to be admitted through the gate. A couple described having a similar experience finding the facility.

The parking area was next to an air conditioned check-in area. About 20 visitors arrived at around the same time we did. There were no instructions and the staff, while nice once we approached them, seemed overwhelmed. They required that each visitor complete a Waiver and Release from Liability form. They also photocopied our identification (we would have preferred that they check and not photocopy them given all the identification theft issues afflicting our country of late and the high fraud rates in South Florida). Although we arrived early and had completed the forms in advance it was 45 minutes before our private tour began.

Month And Date of Visit July 2015

Reviewers

Article by Elena del Valle

Photos by Gary Cox

Would You Visit This Attraction Again? Yes

Overall Impression When the Whitney Museum of American Art opened its new location in the edgy Manhattan neighborhood of the Meatpacking District in May of 2015, we were immediately intrigued. The area was home to the High Line (a lovely park built on top of an abandoned train track which is another great New York City attraction), and a host of nightclubs, restaurants and high-end boutiques.

From the outside, it was an impressive structure. With staircases and terraces along the façade, we saw streams of people walking up and down the side of the building and lounging outside on the terraces. There was also a long admission line so we recommend getting tickets in advance.

The lobby was vast and modern, with a gift shop and visitor desks all sharing an open space. Once we picked up our tickets, it was easy to enter the exhibition area and ascend the building into the galleries.

The galleries themselves felt spacious, despite the crowds. We never had to wait to see a painting nor were we frustrated walking around. When we needed a rest, we found two outdoor terraces with chairs, and two indoor lounges with couches facing a tall glass wall. We sat on the comfortable couches and enjoyed a spectacular view of lower Manhattan.

The collection was astounding. We saw famous paintings by contemporary artists such as Edward Hopper, Willem De Kooning, Barbara Kruger, and Jean-Michel Basquiat among others.

While the works on display were a delight to see, the building itself was also a work of art. It had a modern vibe and was easy to navigate. It offered many ways to traverse the museum and to enjoy its unique location near the Hudson River.

We liked the museum as well as the bustling surrounding neighborhood with many interesting markets, restaurants and views. The Whitney Museum was an excellent place to visit in Manhattan because in addition to enjoying the contemporary art collection, we had fun exploring the area near the building.

Average Duration of Visit About one hour. While the museum’s collection was extensive, it was not all on display at once.

Description There were eight floors in total, all accessible by either stairs or elevator. The top six floors were the gallery spaces, each with large windows and high ceilings. Two of the museum’s eight floors were dedicated to the permanent collection.

In addition to the museum’s collection of contemporary art, we enjoyed exploring the new building and the surrounding area. It was a great place to take pictures of Manhattan and to visit an area of the city that was developing into a chic and interesting place.

Do They Welcome Children? Yes, there were activity guides and audio guides for kids. In addition, we saw an open art-making studio for children that was included with the price of admission.

Established The Whitney Museum of American Art was founded in 1930, and opened in 1931 on West Eighth Street in Greenwich Village. It moved locations two more times before opening at 99 Gansevoort Street on May 1, 2015.

Handicapped access The entire museum was wheelchair accessible by elevator. Doorways to outdoor terraces were equipped with automatic openers. Service animals were welcome. There was assisted listening equipment for tours and tours in American Sign Language.

Location The museum is in Manhattan, New York City, about 19 miles from John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Number of Employees As of April 2015, there were 250 permanent full time employees.

Open The museum was open year round, every day except Tuesday.

Owned-Managed The Whitney was a nonprofit organization. At the time of our visit, Adam D. Weinberg was the director.

Size The building was 220,000 square feet and included approximately 50,000 square feet of indoor galleries and 13,000 square feet of outdoor exhibition space and terraces. The Whitney’s collection included over 21,000 works created by more than 3,000 artists in the United States during the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Because the museum had opened a month before our visit, there were no figures on the average number of annual visitors.

Transportation The closest subway train was the A/C/E or L train to 14 street. We exited the station and walked west along 14 street towards 9 Avenue. Then we turned left on 9 Avenue then made a right onto Gansevoort Street. Two blocks down, the museum was on our right.

Audio Tours The museum offered multimedia tours for adults and children, and a video tour in American Sign Language. Those tours were made by the museum curators and some of the artists themselves. The cost was $6 for adults; free for members, visitors under 18, and people with disabilities.

Restaurant There were two restaurants at the museum. Untitled, an upscale dining experience open for lunch and dinner and accessible at street level, was on the first floor. Studio Café, a casual dining venue with outdoor seating in the warm months, was on the eighth floor.

Souvenir Shop There was a small shop in the lobby of the building that sold souvenirs such as mugs, notebooks, t-shirts inspired by the museum’s collection and a selection of art books.

Tours The museum offered complimentary gallery tours through the Whitney’s collection and exhibitions each day. Reservations were not necessary.

Month And Date of Visit We visited the museum June 2015.

Reviewers

Article by Margot Liebman

Photos by Aaron Lubarsky

Would You Visit This Attraction Again? I would definitely visit that museum again. As a fan of contemporary art, it’s was inspiring. In addition, the building itself and the area near the building were worth the visit.

Overall Impression In this day of economies of scale, the popularity of fusion cuisine and a seeming infinite variety of imported products, a restaurant striving to serve local meals in the true sense of the word seemed to stretch the imagination. Intrigued and drawn by Vinland’s approach to cooking rooted in the land, sea, and traditions of Maine, and the culinary and nutritional wisdom of indigenous cultures with all local ingredients, we went out of our way to sample their food. We also wondered how the influence of new Nordic cuisine (especially restaurants Noma and Faviken where the chef had worked) would translate across the Atlantic to Maine’s similar bioregion.

By local the restaurant meant no citrus or cane sugar, plenty of yogurt whey, rhubarb, sumac, cranberry, maple, honey, and dozens of other ingredients, including herbs, fruits, nuts, roots, and mushrooms. While the wines were all imported they offered the most natural and organic wine list we have come across.

What might have been stiff and academic in tone was relaxed, thanks to friendly and well informed staff. An understated and lovingly decorated dining room with wood, metal and original art lent the single space with an open kitchen an informal welcoming ambiance.

We loved the concept, the delivery, the pretty and refined presentation of the items, and the uncommon flavors and flavor combinations. We enjoyed our meals, including the wine pairing, and the dining experience. Many of the dishes were pleasing. Although a few were less to our liking, they were in the minority. Overall Vinland won our hearts and admiration with its local ethos, single minded determination and pursuit of, in Chef David Levi’s words, “innovative ingredients, combinations, and techniques to create dishes that are both totally uncompromising and truly unique.” The next time we visit Portland, Vinland will be on our short short list.

About the Executive Chef Before turning to the culinary arts he studied history at Dartmouth University and earned a master in fine arts in poetry at Bennington College. His culinary training was entirely on the job and via seven stages among which he highlighted his time with Italian butcher Dario Cecchini and at Scandinavian restaurants Noma and Faviken.

Executive Chef David Levi

Handicapped Access Fully handicapped accessible, including an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant bathroom.

Location In the Downtown District of Portland, Maine

Opened January 2014

Other Chefs The sous chef of Vinland was Jason Mathiason, and the chef de partie was Chris Newton.

Owned And Managed David Levi

Size There was seating for 38 diners at 10 indoor tables and eight at the bar adjacent to the open kitchen in the 1,400 square foot restaurant. Depending on the season there were between eight and fifteen staff.

Type of Restaurant All local food, inspired by wild foods, ancient food traditions, and indigenous nutritional wisdom

Decor-Ambiance The decor was meant to be “warm and inviting, dominated by blond wood, and inspired in part by the Scandinavian aesthetic.” The tables were handmade by Marc McCabe, a friend of the owner’s, from ancient yellow birch and black walnut retrieved by Dead Head Lumber from beneath Moosehead Lake, Maine. The chairs and barstools were made by Saloom, an artisan workshop on the Massachusetts New Hampshire border, using local maple and leather. The solid yellow birch bar was designed and built by lead carpenters, Jon Courtney and Nick Aleandro, in conjunction with the owner. There was a cherrywood sofa built by Thos. Moser, along with a midcentury walnut coffee table and cherry and ash stools made by a craftsman in Kentucky. The walls had large birch panels designed as acoustic insulation wrapped in gray burlap, framed with yellow birch, and mounted in the front with narrow logs and branches of white birch, some with mushrooms. The antique tin ceiling had been painted gold, and the floors were old pine. The art on the walls, recently that of Julie Kuceris-Gray, included a piece that showed at the last Biennial at the Portland Museum of Art across the street from the restaurant. The organic cotton napkins were made by Rachel, one of the servers, who was also making a new set of aprons. Many of the bowls and plates were made by Jody Johnstone, a Japanese-trained Anagama ceramicist in the midcoast.

Cellars Wine And Alcoholic Beverage Selection The restaurant offered a notable natural wine list with 41 types from small grower-producers, nearly all of which were certified organic. The remainder were verifiable organic (beyond organic). The vast majority were also wild-fermented, unfiltered, and with minimal or no sulphur. Most were from France, with a fair representation from Italy, a few from Spain, and one from Oregon.

The beers on offer were locally brewed (though generally not from local malt and hops) and the cider was local. The coffee and tea were organic and fair trade, produced by independent small farmers and imported and (in the case of the coffee) processed by The Speckled Ax and The Little Red Cup Tea Co., small local businesses.

Their spirits were all distilled in the northeast (from as far as the Hudson Valley), though not necessarily from local ingredients. House-made liquors and craft cocktails were made with those spirits as a base and ingredients following the same form as the kitchen, meaning no citrus or cane sugaryet yogurt whey, rhubarb, sumac, cranberry, maple, honey, herbs, fruits, nuts, roots, and mushrooms. According to the chef, many were powerfully medicinal. The staff were convinced their our cocktails were, healthful in moderation.

Special Menus There was an 18 item Tasting Menu for $100 per person head. A matching eight paired wines cost $65.

Meal The menu featured several multi-plate options as well as an 18-item tasting menu, and wine pairings. On our first visit we ordered from the multi-plate menu with outstanding results. The next time, we opted for the Tasting Menu with wine pairing to get a broader sampling of the cuisine and celebrate a special occasion. Wines were biodynamic, natural (unfiltered, wild fermented and without sulfites) or wild fermented. Each item was a single morsel or two. Both menu options were satisfying and fun.

We began our Tasting Menu with Beet chips served with crispy beets, chevre cheese and micro greens. Next there was: Melon with watermelon, heirloom tomatoes, sweet pepper and herb ghee (clarified buffer with basil and mint); Herb Soup; chilled Japanese Turnip Soup with yogurt, raw butter, herbs (parsley and cilantro) micro greens, calendula petals, red pepper slivers roasted turnip, onion and carrot shavings; Garlic Toast, gluten free homemade flatbread; roasted Cauliflower with blue cheese crisp, pear, bay laurel gastrique, and walnuts; Harofiskur, seriously fishy dried pollock slivers; sashimi Black Bass Crudo with micro greens, radish, beach mustard wasabi, sorrel, slices of sour apple; Radicchio with rosemary yogurt and two cheeses; Raw Beef with micro greens, cranberry, tropea onion, horseradish, and sorrel; and Indian cucumber. The cucumber was refreshing with a sweet finish.

There was also tasty Monkfish with shitake, sunflower potato (tasted slightly undercooked), turnip greens, dulse and shitake emulsion, and wilted spinach; yummy Chicken Heart with Crisp Skin, sage and a celery relative; Capocollo (pork shoulder) cooked sous vide, smoked and pan seared with fennel, cranberry, sauerkraut (a favorite); perfectly Seared Tomato made with heirloom tomatoes; Autumn Salad with roasted tomato, light sunflower vinaigrette, shredded carrots; lightly sweet Hardy Kiwi with a hint of tartness; Salted Butter Semifreddo; and messy but nice mascarpone Buckwheat Fennel Seed Cookie.

The staff paired our menu with wines by the glass: biodynamic and wild fermented Austrian Meinklang that was floral with a hint of sparkle; non vintage French La Perlette that was dry, clean, and sparkling with a funky finish; natural Roussane from France; 2013 wild fermented Grechetto from Umbria, Italy; natural Luc et Denis Lattard syrah blend from France Lattard Red; 2012 natural and biodynamic French Pierre Frick pinot blanc; natural 2012 Saint Chician Les Narys French full bodied and spicy Bordes; and 2013 Domaine Chardons Touraine rose from France.

Other Chef Levi took the lead on the wine list, working closely with Ned Swain of Devenish Wines, his close friend and the distributor who sold the restaurant nearly all its wine. He worked directly with importers Zev Rovine and both Karen and Byron from T. Edward. Vinland’s bar manager, Alex Winthrop, was also an important contributor.

Date of Review September 2014

Number of Visits Two

Reviewers

Article by Elena del Valle

Photos by Gary Cox

Service Staff were welcoming and helpful. They answered all our questions about the menu, the dishes and the ingredients with patience and enthusiasm. Dylan and Timothy looked after us. They were always available when we wanted something yet were never intrusive.

Would You Dine Eat There Again-Recommend It? Yes