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Style at A Steal in Chicago

07.29.13

There’s no denying when it comes to traveling to Chicago, your options on where to stay, eat, shop, take in culture, history and art are seemingly endless. You can easily get lost in food, architecture, museums and discovering the 77 community areas in Chicago, not to mention more than 200 neighborhoods. On a recent trip to Chicago, we chose the trendy River North neighborhood near hot restaurants and the Theatre District and stayed in the brand new LEED certified, Aloft Chicago City Center hotel. Alofts, are popping up everywhere, the stylish and affordable boutique hotels are all over the world. The Aloft concept is unreal, “Style at a Steal” is their motto, which means that design enthusiasts can afford the jet set lifestyle while being budget-conscious too.

At this new stylish property, we were thrilled with the location, near the Loop business district and popular spots such as Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, and Wrigley Field. And we loved the modern loft-inspired room with gorgeous city views; we didn’t want to ever to leave the luxe comfortable signature bed. The expansive shower and Bliss Spa products will help start your day feeling refreshed.

Downstairs you can grab an espresso, fruits or muffins at the 24/7 grab & go gourmet pantry (we loved the eco-friendly option to forego housekeeping service to earn $5 credit at 24/7); or enjoy a seasonal cocktail or craft beer at the lively W XYZ bar.

Dining choices are simple at Aloft; the Beatrix is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and it has an awesome open air feel and serves healthy comfort food with a twist using seasonal ingredients, simply prepared. From the dinner menu choose from chicken n’leek bread pudding; chili and chocolate glazed salmon with smoked almond slaw and corn tortillas and caramelized pork shoulder with grilled Romaine, butter mashed potatoes, soy and ginger. The fresh fruit cocktails are refreshing and delicious. We loved the Wow! Ginger sangria, fresh ginger, pineapple, white wine and citrus and the pineapple-habanero margarita with Corazon Blanco and Bittermans Hellfire.

Chicago is easily one of our favorite cities to visit, and August is booming with activities. Lollapalooza at Grant Park kicks off Aug. 2-4, the two-day street fair, Northalsted Market Days (Aug. 10-11) brings more than 100,000 people for food, music and arts and crafts; and towards the end of the month, there’s the fantastic Chicago Jazz Festival (Aug. 29-Sept. 1) and the Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival (Aug. 23-Sept. 2) featuring fashion shows, culinary demonstrations and more.

Aloft is offering specials from its best rates starting at $219 per day, to our favorite “Pay Your Birth Year” special. Celebrate you in a cool, hip vibe; stay for two nights and pay rates equal to your birth year. All details on specials are here.

515 N. Clark St. in Chicago. 312.661.1000.

Hot and Chic in Palm Springs

06.30.13

Craving a stylish and relaxing desert getaway? Glamorous old school Palm Springs is best defined at Riviera Palm Springs Resort & Spa the legendary resort that opened in 1959 was a favorite hangout back in the day for Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Elvis Presley among others.

Today, it’s luster is back like no other, design touches like white leather furniture, brocade wallpaper, crimson red chandeliers and hues of chocolate brown, deep orange, fuschia, and sunny yellow are splashed throughout the hotel. Book a room in one of its ultrachic rooms, lounge poolside at one of its two swanky pools, enjoy firepit lit nights, and take advantage of its decadent SpaTerre health spa with a state-of-the-art fitness center. The resort is centrally located, downtown Palm Springs is just 2 miles away.

And with its signature Circa 59 restaurant, there’s no need to dine out. Acclaimed Chef Jesse Souza is kicking-off the sunny season with seasonally inspired dishes made from locally grown Coachella Valley ingredients, and premium meats and quality seafood. Chef Souza's is committed to buying fresh and local, he shops at more than 25 SoCal regional farms on a weekly basis for his culinary masterpieces.

Start with a “BLT” Salad, with an Iceberg wedge, candied bacon, baby tomatoes, jalapeño Ranch dressing; duck carnitas with tamarind bbq, yogurt apple slaw, chipotle blackberry and cornmeal crepes; share the truffled lobster mac & cheese; and dine on a Scottish salmon with lemon risotto, apple celery slaw, hazelnut/lemon brown butter; or a sugar & spice pork chop with hashed brown potatoes, braised kale, house made applesauce, maple/mustard glaze; or enjoy a 16 oz. ribeye with truffle fries, arugula salad, and circa steak sauce.

Make it on a Thursday and enjoy the Hot as Hell Pool Party at the Bikini Pool from 7 to 10 p.m., sip on specialty cocktails, order tasty appetizers and listen to live music.

There are plenty of specials and packages available online offering discounts on spa treatments and more.

1600 N Indian Canyon Drive in Palm Springs.
760.327.8311.

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