The Hines Mansion Library Suite is is one of the jewels in their crown of Victorian elegance.   It’s close to Brigham young University, the Provo River, Sundance Resort, and historic downtown Provo, Utah. It’s one of nine rooms that is uniquely appointed and built for guest comfort with a private bath which includes a two-person jetted tub. There is also a complimentary bottle of sparkling cider set out for your arrival. Each morning you may enjoy a hearty breakfast and a stroll around the property.

Our second floor Library, with its secret passage, is reminiscent of a Victorian study; it will intrigue you with whispers from the past. Climbing its spiral staircase will take you to a relaxing bath in your two-person jetted tub under a skylight view of the stars. Rich tones of red, gold and green surround you as you enjoy your chilled sparkling cider, compliments of your Innkeepers.

There are many local places to enjoy fine dining and shopping just moments away from the Hines Mansion.

Russell Spencer Hines had this Victorian mansion constructed in 1895 with money acquired from his local mining, business and real estate ventures. The home is believed to have been designed by Utah architect Richard Karl August Kletting, who also designed the Utah State Capitol building. According to historic records, the Mansion was built as a showplace during Provo’s recovery from a major boom-and-bust period in the area’s early economic history. One of the first homes built by Provo’s first generation gentry, the Hines Mansion is among Utah County’s most historical residential landmarks.

The property has an old and interesting history. The Utah Heritage Foundation presented an award of merit to Douglas K. Hardy for his renovation of the structure between 1975 and 1978.  Be sure to check out their specials so you can enjoy a stay at this historic bed and breakfast.

The Hines Mansion Penthouse Suite is is one of the jewels in their crown of Victorian elegance. It’s close to Brigham young University, the Provo River, Sundance Resort, and historic downtown Provo, Utah. It’s one of nine rooms that is uniquely appointed and built for guest comfort with a private bath which includes a two-person jetted tub. There is also a complimentary bottle of sparkling cider set out for your arrival. Each morning you may enjoy a hearty breakfast and a stroll around the property.

Perched high atop the mansion, featuring vintage 8-foot oval windows, rests our largest room, the Penthouse Suite of the Hines Mansion. From its lofty height, guests have a spectacular birds-eye view of Provo and its surrounding mountains and all the amenities unique to our Bed and Breakfast.

Gateway to this spacious suite is the restored, hand-finished oak stairwell, nostalgic of the 1890’s. The two-person jetted tub is positioned within the bay of the three-sided window with its panoramic view. This room boasts a 46-inch screen TV, very comfortable king-size bed, ceiling fan, private bath and shower, spacious closet, and lounging area.

There are many local places to enjoy fine dining and shopping just moments away from the Hines Mansion.

Russell Spencer Hines had this Victorian mansion constructed in 1895 with money acquired from his local mining, business and real estate ventures. The home is believed to have been designed by Utah architect Richard Karl August Kletting, who also designed the Utah State Capitol building. According to historic records, the Mansion was built as a showplace during Provo’s recovery from a major boom-and-bust period in the area’s early economic history. One of the first homes built by Provo’s first generation gentry, the Hines Mansion is among Utah County’s most historical residential landmarks.

The property has an old and interesting history. The Utah Heritage Foundation presented an award of merit to Douglas K. Hardy for his renovation of the structure between 1975 and 1978.  Be sure to check out their specials so you can enjoy a stay at this historic bed and breakfast.

Not my typical hotel to review, the Las Alcobas is not near some amazing beach, but the hotel itself is a wonder of modern design.

“Design features that lavishly exude warmth and comfort, hand-selected details to enhance and enliven your senses, the calm serenity of being at ease in your environment… these are the ingredients to a refined Mexico City hotel experience at Las Alcobas. For business and leisure travelers, our 35 guest rooms reflect the Las Alcobas commitment to quality and the highest level of attentive service imbued with unparalleled comfort. Take an in depth look into the luxurious Accommodations that await you in Mexico City.”

The Las Alcobas is for the leisure and business travelers or anyone who would like to spend some time in their relaxing spa.  They aim for providing you with a home-away-from home experience.  Between me and you I’d love it if my home looked half as nice as this hotel. With it’s clean lines and elegant appointments it’s truly a sight to behold. (more…)

One of my favorite things to do on vacation is snorkel or swim in the pool.  Here are a few amazing pools from around the world gathered by BudgetTravel.com.

Park Hyatt

Tokyo

Why It’s Cool: Sure, Bill Murray took a dip here in Lost in Translation, but it’s the view from this sleek, 47th-floor swimming pool that’s truly remarkable: Floor-to-ceiling windows frame jaw-dropping vistas of Tokyo, and even venerable Mount Fuji, while the steel-and-glass pyramid-shaped ceiling floods the pool with natural light. The 65-foot-long, four-lane pool is striking at night, too, when the city’s skyscrapers light up.

San Alfonso del Mar, Algarrobo, Chile

Courtesy of San Alfonso del Mar

San Alfonso del Mar

Algarrobo, Chile

Why It’s Cool: You can take small sailboats out on this saltwater pool that Guinness World Records calls the largest in the world. At two thirds of a mile in length, the massive stretch of water has room for several man-made sand beaches. For nighttime swimming, head to the temperature-controlled beach inside the pool’s centrally located glass pyramid—the water and the sand are heated.

Hotel Caruso Belvedere, Ravello, Italy

Courtesy of Hotel Caruso Belvedere

Hotel Caruso Belvedere

Ravello, Italy

Why It’s Cool: The Hotel Caruso Belvedere is set at the highest point in the sun-splashed Amalfi Coast town of Ravello, so the open-air infinity pool offers unobstructed, panoramic views of one of the world’s most dramatic coastlines—and the sea beyond. It doesn’t hurt that the pool itself is flanked by 11th-century Roman ruins.

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur, India

Courtesy of Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces

Umaid Bhawan Palace

Jodhpur, India

Why It’s Cool: In a massive, 347-room palace overlooking the Blue City of Jodhpur in the Indian state of Rajasthan, this serene, temperature-controlled swimming basin takes advantage of natural candlelight—with rose petals sometimes strewn on the surface. The hotel is run by the Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, which shares the property with the palace’s owner, the Maharaja of Jodhpur—who has been known to swim laps with the guests from time to time.

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As a follow up to my first posting about my trip to Brisbane I’ll share with you a few of the things I’ve seen around town.

First off, I love Australia.  They seem like a cross between the English and the Americans with another part of Asian Pacific influence.  They sound so prim and proper yet they’re so easy going and laid back that it’s deceptive.  It’s easy to see why their loved so much around the world.

I’ve been working mad hours the last few days so I haven’t had a chance to get out and see a lot of the sites, so my impressions are of things I’ve seen along the way during the taxi drive and after hours.

First off, the Medina staff have been very accommodating and helpful.  Each morning they provide a shuttle to the office.  Along the way I’ve seen the hustle and bustle of Brisbane’s people.  Right next to the hotel is a private school and every day I see the children dressed in their uniforms and completed with a flat brimmed outback hat. The business people that crowd the streets are dressed for business but in a laid back style.

My driver should be the replacement for the next Transporter film.  Sharp dressed and all business.  He drives the shuttle van like it’s an extension of his body.  I wouldn’t be surprised if one morning he showed up in leather driving gloves and black sun glasses.   He’s very efficient and business like without being unfriendly.

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