Greer's OC | The latest in Orange County fashion, dining, and trends.

The Japan Experience

By Greer Wylder

January 11, 2010

The West Coast meets the Far East at The Miyako Hybrid Hotel in Torrance. The new hotel (sister location in downtown Los Angeles) recently opened in the epicenter of South Bay’s burgeoning Japanese business and tourist market. The Miyako Hybrid is an green eco-friendly hotel with a solar-powered electrical system, environmentally responsible construction materials, and recycled materials. Each of the 208 rooms in the 7-story hotel feature Japanese-style oversized baths, separate showers and heated water bidets. There’s also a hot stone day spa. Enjoy fusion Japanese cuisine from the renowned Gonpachi restaurant, where guests will be treated to a three-course…

Utterly unique: Madonna Inn

By Greer Wylder

January 03, 2010

How to adequately describe the majestic wonder that is The Madonna Inn? Wild and flamboyant. Unexpected and whimsical. Charmingly gaudy? One thing’s certain: the historic landmark is one of California’s most unique hotels. Located in San Luis Obispo, the 110-rooms at the Madonna Inn are all individually decorated with quirky themes like Love Nest, Cave Man (the entire room is encased in solid rock!), Oriental Fantasy, Golfers Room and Swiss Chalet—to name a few. Look for over-the-top and ornate touches such as rock fireplaces, waterfall showers and textured wallpaper. To take a peek at any of the rooms, click here.…

Desert Retreat

By Greer Wylder

December 08, 2009

For a quick getaway, the La Quinta Resort & Club is one of Palm Springs’ original hideaways—since 1926. The lush resort is located on 45-acres with 796 rooms, suites and villas, five championship golf courses, a 23,000 square-foot spa and 41 pools and 53 hot spas. New to the sprawling resort is Morgan’s in the Desert, a hacienda-style restaurant with chef Jimmy Schmidt at the helm. Schmidt is regarded as one of the pioneers of America’s farm-to-table experience. Look for seasonal specialties such as pan-roasted breast of duck & foie gras with caramelized apple salad; porcini-crusted angus filet with grilled…

Southeast Asian holiday

By Greer Wylder

November 30, 2009

Forget Hawaii for Christmas. For the adventurous holiday traveler, how about Da Nang, Vietnam? One of the country’s most luxurious hotels, the oceanfront Furama Resort, is offering a special Christmas and New Year’s package. A 3-day stay from Dec. 22 to 28th is $380 for one or $460 for two guests; a 3-day trip from Dec.29 to Jan.3 is $430 for one or $560 for two. The packages include a daily complimentary buffet breakfast, a shuttle bus to the ancient port town of Hoi An and a special Christmas/New Year’s Eve dinner. Can’t-miss-attractions in Da Nang also include a visit…

Budget cosmopolitan: Buenos Aires, Argentina

By Greer Wylder

November 20, 2009

Proof that you can still travel, even during a recession: say hello to Buenos Aires, Argentina. The cosmopolitan gem of South America has long been described as Paris-meets-Barcelona, except that your dollar will definitely go farther in Argentina. Presently, the U.S. dollar is almost 4-to-1 to the Argentine peso. Watch tango dancers twirl through the cobblestoned streets of San Telmo, wander through the colorful neighborhoods of La Boca and shop for contemporary fashion in the hip and Brooklyn-esque town of Palermo Soho. And of course, sit at any parilla in Buenos Aires and treat yourself to some of the best…