Category: Travel Tips

Discovering the Legendary Grande Colonial

Touring some of the finest cities have been lovely and truly relaxing. Here I have discovered yet another beautiful accommodation which made me appreciate how incredibly blessed we are here in Southern California.

Grande Colonial Hotel

The Grande Colonial, La Jolla’s jewel, was the perfect place to be this past Columbus Day weekend. The weather was perfect for exploration and relaxation. I was very happy to have had the opportunity to stay at this historic hotel, nearly 100 years after it first opened in 1913!

This very ground that I am standing on is the first hotel that was ever established in the flourishing seaside city of La Jolla.  I can truly sense this place is deeply rooted in the community since it is evident that locals try to preserve its beauty.  Upon roaming around town, I discovered that everything seems to be walking distance from this hotel.  It goes to show how much this place is truly located at the heart of downtown La Jolla.

Main Lobby – The Grande Colonial

The Grande Colonial, the coastal town’s oldest original hotel (part of the registry of Historic Hotels of America), underwent a vast renovation a few years ago while prioritizing the preservation of its original architecture such as the original Georgian arches, original cast plaster crown moldings, lead glass windows and intricate hand-stenciled ceilings.  The restoration was so successful that it received the “People in Preservation” Award from the Save our Heritage Organization.

Main Lobby Fireplace

While I enjoyed the accommodation, I felt as if I was part of its beautiful history.  As I explored around the grounds of the hotel, I can almost feel the richness of its yesteryears.  Old Hollywood glamour walked these very paths including Jane Wyatt, Eve Arden, Pat O’Brien, Dorothy McGuire, just to name a few.  At one point, this hotel was a temporary home to some of Hollywood’s up and coming stars that performed at the La Jolla Playhouse.

I think it was a perfect fit to wear a hue that spoke of unconscious beauty, which I felt was truly a reflection of the landscape of this hotel.

Grande Colonial Pool
The Grande Colonial Hotel located in La Jolla Beach – Aerial View
Ocean-View Swimming Pool

Stunning in its simplicity: a crisscross halter dress in an Old Rose color, made of a lightweight chiffon.  It’s an ideal beach-wedding attire, perfect for La Jolla Beach’s premiere wedding venue, The Grande Colonial.  Old Rose has always been a favorite of mine, much more so now that Rose Gold has been in the scene for the past few years. Here’s some Tips on How to Easily Wear Rose Gold: 1.  Pair it with copper.  I chose mine to be monochromatic old rose and copper hues, similar to my latest monochromatic style feature at LaurenConrad.com here!

Copper Tone

2.   Accessorize. Jewelry is the easiest way to put in some rose gold in your outfit.  A classic and timeless piece is all you need, like my favorite ring in rose gold.  I wear it all the time!

Rose Gold & Onyx Italian Cocktail Ring

3.  Mix & Match. If you noticed, my heels are a mix of pink and brown hues, with black detail.  Rose Gold wears great with neutrals, as well as a variety of hues in gold tones.

GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI Metallic Snake-effect Leather T-strap Heels

Glamour was definitely in the air and the ambiance was breathtaking when entering the lobby. Fireplaces with marble hearths were beautiful details which contributed to its coziness.  Natural sunlight drew in the hotel complementing the “sunburst” design of the windows.

 Style Details
Dress :: BCBG (similar)
Heels :: Giuseppe Zanotti
Purse :: Yves Saint Laurent
Jewelry :: Rose Gold & Onyx Earrings & Ring by Prestige s.r.l.
Sunglasses :: DKNY (similar)

I spent some time here reflecting and take in the marvel of it all. :)

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Las Vegas Top Fives

What is a Vegas trip without visiting the iconic Strip?  One will truly marvel at the sight, be it day or night, at this world-popular spectacular boulevard.

Caesars Palace
The Las Vegas Strip is home to many marvelous sights that is unique to the world.  As new casinos, hotels, and resorts are built, each tops the next in terms of creativity and the “wow” factor.
Dancing Fountains
Eiffel Tower at Paris Hotel
Here are the Top 5 Sights to see when touring the Strip:
1.  Dancing Fountains of Bellagio
2.  The Eiffel Tower Experience at Paris Las Vegas
3.  Volcano at the Mirage Las Vegas
4.  Gondola Rides at Venetian Las Vegas
5.  Roller Coaster on Top of the Stratosphere Las Vegas
The Bellagio
Granted I stayed off the strip for the first time, the benefits were clearly evident. Therefore, I would like share the Top 5 Reasons why you should stay off-Strip on your next trip:
1.  Fewer crowds and traffic.  Indulge in something completely different: a peaceful Las Vegas vacation.  Get yourself some real rest and relaxation without the busy-ness of the strip. You also get to avoid those annoying people who flick pornographic cards to try and get your attention. If you haven’t been to Vegas, this is an annoyance quickly spotted when walking along the boulevard.
2.  Save a lot of money on hotel costs.  Some Strip hotels are dated while still demanding premium room pricing.  Unless you are staying at one of the Top 5 Hotel Resorts in Las Vegas, the rooms off the strip are simply more spacious, luxurious and contemporary (just like Red Rock Casino and Resort).
3.  Smaller off-Strip Resorts treat you like family.  Not to say that the customer service skills of the bigger hotel chains are less than exemplary (again, this would not be a problem if you are staying at one of the Top 5 Hotel Resorts on the Strip), smaller hotel chains tend to take care of you since they have the time to show that they appreciate your business.
4.  Experience the real faces of Las Vegas.  If you have vacationed in Vegas many times and, this time, are looking for a more atypical experience for your next trip, try hanging out with the locals. Some of my local friends have taken me to a lovely jazz concert in the park, or even a free wine tasting at the M Resort during some of my trips here.  There are so many options when you are actually open to them.
5.  Most off-Strip properties provide shuttles to the Strip at prescribed times.  Avoid walking under the scorching heat in the Summer, feeling the wind in Spring or Fall, or being chilly during the icy cold weather in the winter and enjoy the strip without the hassle of finding directions, spending more on gas, and getting agitated by excessive traffic.
The Strip – Las Vegas

It seems even hotter on The Strip this time (probably due to traffic and pollution) as compared to the Red Rock Resort.  Here, I am wearing a breezy outfit with a hat to protect me from over exposure from the sun (a much-needed accessory when visiting Vegas in the Summer).

Calvin Klein Clutch
Vintage Pumps

Of course, if you have never been to Vegas before, staying at The Strip would be more convenient for you.  When you stay on the strip, you are in the middle of it all. You can walk from your casino to a live show at another hotel, followed by a world class restaurant, then finally to a hot nightclub. It is all right there for you to enjoy with very little effort.

One thing that is surely within your reach are the top-rated buffets on The Strip.  On this weekend getaway, I decided to feast at the newest buffet in town: The Wicked Spoon at The Cosmopolitan Hotel. I was intrigued by this buffet from all the reviews and features I had read. It seemed funky and fresh while delivering a new approach on the traditional Las Vegas buffet.  I find Wicked Spoon to be a very stylish buffet at a very chic casino.

Wicked Spoon Buffet

Here is a photo showing some very nice interior decors and embellishments providing an elegant appearance and relaxing ambiance.

Located at The Cosmopolitan

The food itself is pretty good. As someone who leans towards eating more vegetables and grains, I think there is a larger selection of healthy fares here than other buffets. I love the portions and presentation of each item.  They are prepared and displayed gourmet style.

Things that stood out: the food displays are very appetizing and creative. I like the little take-out boxes used for Asian udon noodles and edamame (which were really tasty), little sliver sauce pans used to hold gnocchi, yummy mac & cheese, country fried chicken, bowls of clams in white wine & garlic broth, korean bbq ribs… there are so many choices!

My absolute favorite part is dessert.  There were chocolate-dipped strawberries, Molten Chocolate & Salted Caramel Lava Cake, Godiva cake lollipops which are super pretty and really chocolatey, a variety of cakes and pastries, etc. I feel the dessert was more focused on chocolate.. nothing wrong with that!

All in all, the Wicked Spoon Buffet is more upscale and gourmet-style than any of the other buffets.  Though I was not disappointed, I still think the Wynn Buffet (their sea bass alone is worth the price) is the best buffet in town.

Style Details
Tank :: J. Crew (similar here / cute one / in peplum)
Skirt :: Old Navy Womens Pocket Tea Length Swing Skirt (similar here / lovin’ this one too / adorable)
Clutch :: Calvin Klein (similar by DVF here / look for less)
Heels :: Vintage (gorgeous one by Lanvin here)
Straw Fedora Hat in Black & White :: Purchased from LA Street Vendor (similar here)
Sunglasses :: Dolce & Gabbana (love this style / look for less)
Jewelry :: Quartz & Rose Gold over Silver Necklace & Dangle Earrings (similar / lovely / look for less)

We all know the saying “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” Well… if your experience was THAT good, then that will be a hard saying to exercise!  Enjoy and bon appetit!

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RED ROCK CASINO AND RESORT REVIEW PART 3: The Signature Suite & Meals

My Red Rock vacation turned out great and, I must say, the quality of my R&R weekend was greatly credited to how relaxing the Red Rock Resort was. I stayed at the Signature Suite, which was an amazing suite on the 17th floor with a view of both the resort’s pool and Red Rock Canyon.

Upon entering the suite, I was surprised by how large it was. I was greeted with marble floors, a bar area, a walk in coat check-in closet and a guest bathroom. I can’t believe there was even a guest bathroom!

Signature Suite Parlor

Further in, a gold-tone dining area occupies the middle of the parlor. This suite is equiped for great entertaining.  This would make a great location for an intimate bachelorette party or even a birthday getaway.  An incredibly soft sectional sofa was welcoming amidst the floor-to-ceiling windows featuring the majestic views of the Red Rock Canyons.

Welcoming Sectional Sofa

The bedroom was equally impressive.  Floor-to-ceiling windows carried over to the room  providing a serene view in the evening.  The suite provided such a comfortable atmosphere that I took several naps in between my weekend activities.  I definitely felt re-charged this weekend!

Signature Suite Bedroom

Additionally, there’s an office table with an ethernet cable, as well as another bar area in the bedroom.   A word of caution here. The bar area is sensitive to movement where if you were to lift up the snacks and drinks, it would activate a counter. If the item is left off the bar area, then you would be charged. The snacks are pretty expensive starting at $4.00 in the room.  Ample seating is also provided with a set of plush chairs.  I was definitely satisfied.

View of Bathroom from Bedroom

My favorite space in the entire suite would have to be the bathroom.  Dressed with elegant marble floors, large double doors, and leather walls in deep chocolate brown, it was very inviting.  There were two sinks and two closets. I definitely had more than enough space!  The jacuzzi sat magnificently at the center with a flat screen tv in front of it.  It kept me updated with all that was going on with this season’s Olympic Games while prepping up for the day’s activities.  I also liked how it flowed wonderfully into the bedroom as it was easier to get to and from the closet where my luggage was.  I love the floor plan!

My weekend’s activities in the resort consisted of relaxing at The Spa, dining at their Feast Buffet and restaurant.  The night club entertainment was visible from my suite. I can also hear the music from my room through the windows. It was rather distracting whenever I want to sleep but I’m glad the room also had a Bose sound system where I docked my iPod so I can drown in my own music. Sadly, I planned on going to the club Saturday evening but there were no invitations, event promoters, or party ads so I wound up spending the evening relaxed in the jacuzzi.  And so I had a delightful platter of cheese and wine which ensured a lovely evening and a restful sleep.

Welcoming Wine & Cheese

I was very much excited to try their buffet.  I always look forward to trying a new buffet every time I go to Vegas.  I was very surprised that their buffet was priced at only $4.99 (if you have the Station’s Casino card) when the food selection was as diverse as it was.

Feast Buffet at Red Rock Resort

When I arrived at the buffet around 10:30 am, there was a line. It moved quickly enough as the wait was about 15 minutes.  The Feast Buffet offered quite the variety of brunch options.  So in terms of cost, the buffet was definitely of good value.  However, my pleasant experience ended when I had their eggs benedict and found out that the hollandaise sauce had gone bad.  I quickly lost my appetite after that.

Buffet Plate

I was obviously very disappointed with this experience as eggs benedict is one of my favorite breakfast items.  So, with that, I definitely do not recommend going to The Feast Buffet.  I called the Front Desk and they were kind enough to give me a $25 food credit at the resort.  For dinner, being a typical Californian, I decided to try the LBS Burger restaurant in their hotel.

LBS: A Burger Joint

I ordered their Flyin’ Hawaiian Burger composed of beef burger, grilled spam, pineapple chutney, terriyaki glaze, pepperjack cheese, frisee and chili mayo.  It was the bomb!

Flyin’ Hawaiian Burger

I had also ordered their Chinese Chicken Salad which was not so tasty but at least the Zucchini Fries were very good.

Chinese Chicken Salad

The service was ok, lacking in the beginning but it got better towards the end when I had to pay the bill.

LBS Burger Bar

My Chanel Black Classic Caviar 2.55 Jumbo Flap Bag was the versatile piece that I had with me all weekend.

Chanel Black Classic Caviar 2.55 Jumbo Flap Bag

Style Details
Purse :: Chanel Black Classic Caviar 2.55 Jumbo Flap Bag
Similar by Marc Jacobs here
Another elegant option by Lanvin here
A more affordable version by Dorothy Perkins here

My rating for this hotel is all in all amazing.  With the exception of The Feast Buffet, this resort is worth visiting in Las Vegas.

If you are looking for a place to get some real rest and relaxation, where everything you need is in one place, then your stay at the Red Rock Resort will certainly be pleasurable and memorable.  I know it was for me!  However, if you are looking for a more active nightlife and entertainment, then it’s best to stay on The Strip.

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