hotels – Melodrama

Checking In: Cabana Bay Beach Resort – Orlando, FL

Published on August 3, 2017August 4, 2017 by Krys3 Comments

I can’t believe it has taken me this long to get this post up (long story), but I’m so excited to share this resort with you!

In February we took a road trip out to Orlando to visit family and had the opportunity to stay at the most adorable and fun mid-century inspired hotel. Cabana Bay Beach Resort is located in the Universal area and was the perfect place for us to spend the week. You don’t even need to leave the property! This resort has everything you need on-site to have an amazing time.

Inspired by the 50s and 60s, Cabana Bay is decked head to toe in colorful retro style. The property has two pools, seven eateries and lounges, a bowling alley, arcade, and fitness studio! I told you it has everything!

We stayed in a standard double room (but there are also suites with kitchenettes) in the Continental tower part of the hotel which had an amazing view of the lazy river pool. Every where you looked was mid-century goodness.

I loved walking around the property taking in all of the details. It was like mid-century heaven for me.One of my favorite parts was the bowling alley. We had SO much fun and great food and drinks there .Speaking of food and drinks, the hotel has the most adorable dining room where they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

And as for the drinks, the bowling alley serves up some strong novelty cocktails, but there’s also a pool side bar and a lounge in the lobby.

I didn’t take pictures of the pool areas in order to respect the other guests’ privacy, but they feature cabana rentals, a lazy river, and waterslides!

As you can see, this is my new favorite place to stay in Orlando. They recently opened a new water park that has a walkway connecting to Cabana Bay and I can’t wait to check that out during my next visit.

Thanks for an amazing stay Cabana Bay!

Checking In: Lone Star Court – Austin, Texas

Published on April 10, 2017April 10, 2017 by KrysLeave a comment

When we were planning our road trip a couple of months ago and decided to stop in Austin I knew I wanted to stay at the Lone Star Court. It has a mid-century, rustic, Texan theme that I just had to see for myself.

Lone Star Court did not disappoint. As soon as we pulled we were greeted by a neon sign and a 1950s Roadmaster.

The lobby was warm and inviting, decked in leather and hides, with western memorabilia displayed on the mantle and shelves. A turntable played old school country records which felt very “Welcome to Texas”. This room seemed like a great place to hang out on such a dreary overcast day but I couldn’t wait to make it to my room.

The pathways are lined with orange rockers and aqua doors, one of my favorite retro color combinations everrrr. This sight made me so happy!

The suite we stayed in was the most perfect place to kick my feet up after a loonnnng day. The living room area had a comfy mid-century style couch and a television, which is all I really want in life. A sliding wood door separates the two rooms.There was also a little dining table surrounded by Eames style molded plastic chairs that was covered in fairly priced mini bar snacks. The good stuff even!

It also had a SMEG refrigerator with more snacks and drinks – from water to wine and spirits. There was an excellent selection in there, which I promptly took part in before our dinner at The Water Trough (the hotel’s on-site restaurant.)My favorite part about this room was probably the bathroom though. You’ll see why.This shower and claw foot tub saved my lifeeee! It was just the thing I needed after a 9 hour drive.Plus how pretty is it?! I love the penny tile floor and black and white color scheme.Clean, crisp, white sheets and a fluffy mattress! This bed felt like heaven! The grounds of the hotel have a few places to eat- The Water Trough, a bar and sit down spot, and The Feed Store, a food truck with quick bites. The grounds also have a ton of places to hang out around firepits and a pool.Lone Star Court is conveniently located next to a mall and lots of shops and restaurants, but when you’re in the court you kind of feel like you’re in their little world. One where you can relax in rocking chairs and drink a cocktail out of a mason jar while listening to the sounds of country western.If you want retro vibes with tons of modern conveniences, check out Lone Star Court during your next visit to Austin.

Thank you to Lone Star Court for a wonderful Stay!

Checking In: Hotel Valley Ho – Scottsdale, Arizona

Published on March 22, 2017March 22, 2017 by KrysLeave a comment

Warning: This is a very image heavy post, but I just can’t help myself.

Last month we had the pleasure of staying at Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was the first stop on our three week long road trip to Florida and boy oh boy was it a good way to start off the trip.

Hotel Valley Ho has a very interesting history, so let me lay some on you real quick.

Designed by Edward L. Varney (a student of Frank Lloyd Wright), Valley Ho opened its doors in 1956 and was an impressive example of what we now know as mid-century modern architecture and design. Upon opening it quickly gained popularity with numerous celebrities and trendsetters of the time. Robert Wagner and Natalie Wood even celebrated their wedding reception at the hotel in 1957.Unfortunately, during the 70s the hotel was bought and was stripped of its design and fell into disrepair until it finally closed in 2001. Plans to demolish the structure were considered until architecture and history enthusiasts rallied to save it. Thanks to those efforts it’s now a registered historic landmark.

In 2002, the hotel was bought by Westroc Hotels & Resorts and underwent renovations by Allen+Philp, an architecture and interior design group from Phoenix. In 1958, Edward L. Varney proposed building a tower above the lobby, but it never came to fruition, until 2002 when it was built under Westroc’s owenership. The years long renovations were a success and stayed true to the spirit of the original style and era, and thus the Valley Ho we know today opened in 2005 on December 20th, exactly 49 years after its grand opening.

The lobby immediately feels like a time warp with its glass walls, cast and poured concrete details, and natural stone walls. All perfect examples of mid-century desert style.

Retro style furnishings, including large curved sectionals, shag carpet, and woven textiles surround a space-age fireplace.

The high glass walls flood the room with light and give you a sense of being within the desert landscape.

This is a great place to grab drink by the bar, or just hang out and mingle with other guests if you want to escape your room for a bit. Rumor has it that sometimes late at night Jimmy Durante would play the piano in the lounge for the other sleepless guests.

We had the pleasure of staying in a King Tower Suite for the night.

The suite is definitely impressive and features a living space, adjacent bedroom, expansive bathroom equipped with a washer and dryer, a large patio over looking the pool, and a fully stocked kitchen. It’s decked out with mid-century modern furniture and plenty of modern conveniences.

The bedroom area has a comfortable king sized bed, chaise lounge, and a light fixture that gets honorable mention because I need it in my life ASAP.

Did I mention the hotel is also extremely dog friendly? Well it is! Pandora definitely enjoyed it.

The expansive bathroom is a little on the dim side, but is equipped with a walk in closet, laundry, double sinks, and an amaaaazing shower.

The room overlooks the main pool area and has gorgeous views of the sunset which you can watch while lounging on the patio furniture.Outside, the lush property is nothing short of break taking.

The property features two pools – The “OHasis” Pool, a relaxing lap pool.And the OH Pool – the more lively hot spot with private cabanas, a hot tub, cocktail bar, and live music.

Can we talk about all of this color?? Serious heart eyes.

The hotel also features delicious on-site dining at Zuzu. Here you’ll find seasonal American food and stylish mid-century design including a curved diner-style counter, stone walls, globe lights, and round booths. We had dinner there and were not left disappointed. I wish I was able to take pictures, but it was dark and I didn’t want to be the annoying person photographing all of their food. We dined in a cozy booth and I can honestly tell you that everything we ordered was great, especially the drinks. Our server, MJ, was very helpful with his suggestions and helping us navigate the menu. We started off with the roasted tomato and goat cheese casserole and a round of their seasonal cocktails. For our meal, I had the seared salmon in a tomato broth and my husband had the short ribs that came with the most amazing green chile grits. I stole them. Delish.The next morning we ate breakfast on the patio at Zuzu before hitting the road and it hit the spotttt! We shared stuffed french toast (yessss), eggs, bacon, the works. They even brought out eggies and a water bowl for the dogs. Two thumbs way up.

I can’t get over what a great experience we had during our stay here. From check-in to check-out everything was exceptional. One night definitely wasn’t enough and I hope to go back again soon. If you’re planning a visit to the Scottsdale/Phoenix area, I highly recommend paying a visit to Hotel Valley Ho. Especially if you’re a fan of mid-century architecture and design. It’s well worth it!

Big thanks to Hotel Valley Ho for a wonderful stay.

Checking In: A Weekend at The Parker Palm Springs

Published on August 3, 2015August 4, 2015 by Krys4 Comments

As you may have guessed by now, I have this love affair with Palm Springs. Funnily enough while I was growing up and living there I couldn’t wait for any excuse to get out, now I can’t wait for any excuse to go back. It’s one of those weird things where you don’t appreciate something until you’re a grown up I guess. Or maybe it’s because Palm Springs is totally making a come back as the hottest (literally) vacation spot around for millenials. Since the 1920s Palm Springs has been the quick getaway of choice for Angelenos, and I’m no exception. I’m not entirely sure that I’ll ever live there again, but I do like making the trip as often as possible.

This time we stayed at The Parker Palm Springs. Once you see the pictures, you’ll know why I love this place.

Built in 1959, it was originally California’s first Holiday Inn. In 1961 Gene Autry purchased the property and changed its name to Melody Ranch. Throughout the 90s it took on a few other identities, but in 2003 it became The Parker we know today. The hotel is fabulously decorated and set on a 13 acre secret garden-esque property, where getting lost isn’t so bad. Don’t worry they give you a map upon check-in.

Let me take you on a little photographic tour.

When you drive up to the secluded property you’re instantly greeted by the most photogenic brick wall and the friendliest valet around.

After you pass your keys along to the nice guys in the colorful shorts, stop and take a deep breath, because you’re officially about to experience what The Parker is all about.

Pass through the big orange doors and straight into the lobby.

The hotel, which was decorated by one of my favorite designers, Mr. Jonathan Adler, has the kind of colorful, eclectic, retro vibes that I live for. JA is great at mixing vintage and mod styles with humor and unexpected touches. Like the cheeky DRUGS sign that hangs on the wall.

You’ll notice is there is plenty of lush seating areas and colorful glasswork featured throughout the lobby.

That mid-century Flintstones-like wall kills me. Behind it you’ll find what reminds me of a 60s party pad, in the best way possible. I mean LOOK.

There’s a firepit and hanging basket chairs. What, what, WHAT?

There are three places to eat on the property – Mister Parker’s, Norma’s, and the Lemonade Stand. Mister Parker’s is open for dinner and features a posh, dark dining room where they serve french bistro style fare.

Norma’s is most known for its impressive breakfast and brunch menu and casual dining experience. I love the cute ambiance and colors of this place and the round chair cushions make me insanely happy.

Norma’s also has a small dinner menu and PIE SHAKES. That’s right…PIE. SHAKES. You pick the ice cream, filling, and topping. Like pie a la mode in milkshake form.

If you’re looking for something more of the liquid diet variety there’s the Lemonade Stand. Here they serve up refreshing and delicious alcoholic drinks.

I’ll be honest, at first I was a little shocked by the price on my tab(around $30 for 2 drinks), since the drink prices aren’t listed on the menu, but when you take into account the size of the drinks and the quality and amount of liquor they use, it’s not really any more expensive than other places. The drinks really are delicious and sizable. I definitely caught a buzz.

The Lemonade Stand is a bar conveniently located next to the main 24 hour adult pool so you can sip and sun your way through the weekend.

There is also a family pool (which was closed for renovations during our stay) and an indoor pool at the resort’s luxe spa, PSYC.

The grounds also have plenty of little secluded pockets featuring fire pits, hammocks, and lawn games where you can lounge and play.

We stayed in one of the 465 square foot deluxe patio rooms situated near the back of the property.

I loved this spacious room. It was a little dark because it’s on the ground level and has a private fenced patio, but it was nice and cozy and good escape from the heat and sun. The king sized bed was comfortable with soft pillows and good linens. I slept SO well. Oh! And free wifi!

Jonathan Adler everywhere!The spacious bathroom has double sinks and a soaking tub.Our favorite part of the room was the private patio that has a small table with chairs and a HAMMOCK. The hammock is great for private outdoor napping and milkshake sipping. Warning: the hammock is so exciting you might get a little too eager and fall out like my husband did. See what I mean about those Lemonade Stand drinks? Don’t worry. He’s ok!Now you’ve gotten a full glimpse of one of my favorite hotels in Palm Springs. I can’t wait until the next time we get to spend the weekend. Who knows, maybe I’ll see you guys there.Thank you to the Parker Palm Springs for a wonderful stay.