Luxury Hotels in Los Angeles

LA BOUND FOR THE WEEKEND! 

October 19-21, Gateway Travel Agents descended upon the City of Angels to review the top luxury hotels in the city. We took notes on all you need to know to enjoy an LA weekend in a great hotel. Hotels on our agenda included the Montage, Beverly Hills Hotel, the Peninsula, the Hermitage, Intercontinental, Ritz Carlton Marina Del Ray, both Four Seasons hotels, the Bel- Air and the Beverly Hills Hotel. 

Friday October 19

Our first stop, The Peninsula Beverly Hills!










Virtuoso Fall Promotion includes:

• Daily Continental breakfast for two

• $100 Spa credit
• Upgrade upon check-in
• Welcome amenity

Validity: now to December 24, 2012

Rates from $535

Insider information:

Traveling with your dog? The Peninsula Beverly Hills welcomes your pet; special suites, treats and dog walkers are all available to make you and your pet welcome. Ask me how you can set this up!

Global Entry

What is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Though intended for frequent international travelers, there is no minimum number of trips necessary to qualify for the program. Participants may enter the United States by using automated kiosks located at select airports.

Apply online.
Fill out an online application and pay the $100 non-refundable application fee.

Once your application is reviewed, you will receive a message in your GOES account instructing you to schedule an interview at one of the Global Entry Enrollment Centers.

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer will ask you questions, take your photo, and collect biometric information, e.g., scan your fingerprints.

Bring your valid passport(s) and one other form of identification, such as a driver's license or ID card to the interview. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must present your permanent resident card.

Here is the website for more information:
www.globalentry.gov

Carry-on bags - what you absolutely need to take

Your agent has booked your flights, hotel and car and your suitcase is packed.
So you think you are ready to go? What about your carry-on bag? 

Must have

Presription medicines and any medical supplies you use on a daily basis 
Phone charger
Travel information - such as confirmations or vouchers you will need on your trip.
All valuables - electronics and jewelry


Basics

Change of clothing
Liquids and gels in 3.4 oz sizes - must fit in a quart size plastic bag 
Makeup - any non liquid items can be brought in any size.
Safety razors, electric razors, tweezers
A book or magazine for the flight
A sweater  - if you get cold on planes

Just remember your carry-on has to fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin.
You are allowed one item in the overhead  bin. If your carry on does not fit either of these two
places, the crew will check your bag and it will become checked luggage!

Unfortunately I need to say this as well; when your carry-on goes through security make sure you check it before you leave the area to make sure you have everything.

Paris Art Exhibitions

Behind the Scenes of Art at Paris Petit Palais

From Monet to Picasso: Behind the Scenes

A fascinating exhibition will open at the Petit Palais in Paris on November 8: “Behind the scenes of art – From Monet to Picasso.” Hundreds of photographs taken in the private studios of many famous artists reveal the intimate world of the artist at work.

Exhibition: Coulisse de l’Art: De Monet a Picasso
November 8, 2012 to February 3, 2013

Le Petit Palais
Avenue Winston Churchill
Open Tuesday – Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
(Thursday until 8 p.m. for special exhibitions)

St. Augustine, Florida

St Augustine, FL – oldest continuously inhabited city in the U.S.

Ponce de Leon landed here; I decided to see if the Fountain of Youth was fact or fiction! 

Besides the city's many historic buildings, you can really get a feel for the town's early days by strolling the narrow streets lined with Spanish-style houses.

You could take a horse-drawn carriage ride for an overview of the city or walk to one of the many wonderful small restaurants located in Old Town.

I stayed at Casa Monica Hotel;  a majestic, historic 1888 landmark; restored in 1999 in a charming Spanish Moroccan style. The hotel is decorated with antiques, Moroccan mosaics, hand-painted tiles and beams, gilded iron tables and carved chairs, potted palms, ferns and a fountain with seating. The staff was wonderful and we enjoyed the in house restaurant, 95 Cordova. It was a wonderful weekend getaway.  

Length of Trip: 3 days, 2 nights

Places visited: Downtown St. Augustine, Flagler College

Time of Year: July

Appeals to: Families with children, couples, history buffs

Traveled with: Daughter, 29 years

Note to Traveler: Many cobblestone streets, easy to navigate but watch for uneven footing