The Gilt Group Jetsetter Website - Everywhere

Image from Jetsetter

If you have yet to discover the joy that is Gilt, a website devoted to online sample sales at amazing prices, you are really missing out. You can attend their cyber sales from the comfort of your sofa, but still might find yourself in a battle over the top you want in the perfect color and size. Like all good sample sales, sizes are limited, you've got to get there early, and be really decisive (or in this case have really fast internet), but boy are the deals good. 

To add to the mix, they have just recently launched a travel sight called Jetsetter. The prices are incredible. Most sales last only three days, and have limited dates available, but if you're already planning a trip to one of their sale locations, or like to fly by the seat of your pants, it's perfect. Last week they had rooms at the urban chic City Club Hotel in New York for $115. A  hotel of that caliber in NYC will normally cost you at least $200 and upwards. 

Most of their hotels appear to be in the luxury category, with rates slashed over fifty percent. 

Image of Capella Telluride Hotel from Jetsetter

On sale now is the Capella Telluride hotel with rates also starting at $115. 

Image of Maroma Resort & Spa from Jetsetter

The next sale up will be the five star Maroma Resort and Spa on the Riviera Maya. 

I Love Paris in the Spring Time...

Happy New Year! I already know 2009 will be a better year than 2008 because I am going to Paris in March! My lovely husband has given me a Christmas gift of a week in Paris and of course I am already planning our itinerary and brushing up on my very remedial French.

After searching endlessly for a non flea ridden reasonably priced hotel, I have settled on the Hotel Sainte Beuve, a boutique hotel situated on a quiet street on the left bank just a few blocks from the Luxembourg gardens.


The hotel lobby was designed by the late legendary designer David Hicks with rooms that look minimally stylish. As an added bonus, they have a real fireplace, which given the Paris weather, might be in operation in March. I came to my final decision to book the hotel based on the fact that they are recommended by Chic Retreats. Having stayed in other hotels listed on their website, I feel I can trust their judgement.


Also in the final running was the Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais, a boutique hotel located in the Marais district with a very reasonable price (140 euros a night). The decor is definitely on the feminine side and may be better suited to a girls' getaway, but Caron de Beaumarchais is the place to stay if you are looking for your Marie Antoinette fix. I figure I'll just get that at Laduree and Versaille instead.

Miller's Residence - London

The Miller's Residence in London is not for the minimalist, but if you want to pretend you're a guest in the home of an eccentric Lord, then it is for you!  Owned by an antiques dealer, it is packed with antiques, and I mean packed. Each bedroom is unique with decor inspired by the English Romantic poets, the rates are under 200 pounds a night, and it is very centrally located in arty Notting Hill. Spend a Saturday perusing the nearby Portobello Road Market, and you can pick up some antiques of your own. Basically, this hotel had me at the persimmon door (I often fantasize about having a house with a persimmon door) and yes, I do want to imagine I'm staying with an aristocrat. 

Algonquin Hotel - New York

While most hotels have a pet ambassador dog, the Algonquin Hotel has a resident cat.  The tradition started in the 1930's when a little stray cat wandered in off the streets into the lobby and management decided to give him a home. Since that time the Algonquin has had 9 resident cats, the latest of which is the above Matilda. This year in honor of Matilda's birthday, the hotel decided to change their hypocritical no pets policy, and are allowing cats and dogs to come for a stay. Concierge will even provide litter boxes, liners, and scoops!

Vin et Fromage a Maison 140 - Los Angeles

Every Wednesday night the ultra lux Bar Noir in the Maison 140 hotel is holding wine and cheese pairings for $25 a person. Wines are all California varieties, and cheese is supplied by the comprehensive Cheese Shop of Beverly Hills. 

Number Sixteen - London

Rita Konig in the new issue of Domino Mag recommends the Number Sixteen Hotel as quaint place to stay in the Pimlico Green area of London. The boutique hotel has 42 individually decorated rooms and is within walking distance of the South Kensington tube stop. I love the whimsical decor, and the lovely garden where guests can have their breakfast. Rates are reasonable for London at 175 pound a night for a queen (don't even think about the exchange rate or you'll get depressed.) The owners of the hotel have several other lovely properties around London for just slightly higher rates. Check them out at: www.firmdale.com