Airbnb’s Perfect for your Thanksgiving Holiday

November 2, 2020November 2, 2020 by VacationLikeALocal, posted in Travel, Where to Stay

Thanksgiving is only three weeks away. This Thanksgiving Holiday, after everyone has been confined to their homes for nearly seven months, we are all in desperate time away. With the Pandemic this year, it has become clear that we all need to spend more time with those we love this Holiday Season. One of the best ways to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Frisco Metroplex would be by renting a relaxing Airbnb home to retreat to this Thanksgiving holiday. We have specifically chosen great rentals with great views and are perfect for you and your family (or group of friends) to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday.

Arrowhead Lodge (Montana)

What better way to escape the insanity of Dallas life than by heading West out to Yellowstone Country, Montana. The Arrowhead Lodge is a perfect location for anyone who wants to escape to the Rocky Mountains for Thanksgiving. This rental property is a great option for any family get together because it has spacious rooms each with landscape windows and amazing views. The kitchen could comfortable fit five adults working to create an amazing Thanksgiving meal. For day trips, Yellowstone National Park is only 1.5 hour drive South. There are also some fun little shops in Downtown Livingston, including: The Obsidian Collection, The Gourmet Cellar, and Neptune’s Taphouse and Eatery.

Number of Guests: 16

Cost (for 16 guests): $57.75/night/person

Travel Time: 3 hour flight (DFW to BZN) + 45 minute drive from airport

Eagle Lake Estate (Idaho)

Who would have thought to vacation to Idaho would be a good idea? But really, Idaho does have one of the prettiest landscapes in the Continental United States. In fact, Idaho was listed among the top 20 most beautiful states in the USA by Thrillist. This stunning Airbnb property in Idaho is definitely no exception! The Eagle Lake Estate is on a beautiful, yet secluded property in the small town of Hailey. Along with five large, wonderfully decorated bedrooms, the property also has a naturally lit living/dining room with floor to ceiling windows and high vaulted ceilings, a very comfortable media room. The kitchen is large enough to allow a few people to work on the Thanksgiving feast. If you would prefer to do other things on Thanksgiving day, a Chef (or two) can be provided to you for an extra cost. For day trips, lodge is only five minutes away from Sawtooth National Forest.

Number of Guests: 12

Cost (for 12 guests): $166.67/night/person

Travel Time: 5 hour flight (DFW to IDA) + 2.5 hour drive from airport

Heartwood Lodge (Wyoming)

The Heartwood Lodge is great for any family who is looking to spend some time in Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Teton National Park. Both of these parks are just a short drive due North. Not only is this six bedroom lodge just outside of the second oldest National Parks in the world; it is also perfect for anyone who is an avid skier, as it is within walking distance to Après Vous. Other fun accommodations include: an outdoor hot tub and fireplace (for the adventurous few in the group), a large media room (perfect for football fans) and a pool table. Other features available for an extra cost include various members of household staff (chef, butler, driver, restaurant concierge, or childcare), Villa pre-stocking, activities and excursions.

Number of Guests: 18

Cost (for 18 guests): $444.45/night/person

Travel Time: 3 hour flight (DFW to JAC) + 22 minute drive

Movie Star Mansion (Utah)

This is another great option for any group that loves to ski or snowboard, as this rental has a ski-in/ski-out feature. For those who would do not like to ski as much, Historic Park City is just a short drive away and has many fun shops like Atticus Coffee Books & Teahouse, No Name Saloon & Grill, and La Niche. Or if you are looking more for a night in, there are some wonderful activities available at the house to engage in. These activities includes: a pool table, a poker table, fully equipped exercise room, media room, jacuzzi, a sauna, a wet bar, and seven very spacious bedrooms. If you and your group are planning on making your own Thanksgiving dinner; do not fear, as the kitchen in this lodge is large enough to accommodate at least six people. However, if you find that you are in need of some extra hands on Thanksgiving day, some additional services are provided to the group for an extra fee, including: food pre-stocking, household staff (chef, driver, food and beverage services, housekeeping, childcare and a butler), car rental, and restaurant concierge.

Number of Guests: 18

Cost (for 18 guests): $225.95/night/person

Travel Time: 3 hour flight (DFW to SLC) + 1 hour drive

“Our Place” (Idaho)

This is a great option for a very large family or a family would like to have lots of space during this Thanksgiving season. You are guaranteed extra privacy and quiet as the property has no neighbors. Never fear though, there are plenty of activities while at the lodge including ping pong, pool, a jacuzzi, an outdoor firepit which is perfect for making s’mores. If you are looking to get off the property for the day, both and Idaho Falls and Jackson, Wyoming are only an hour away. For those looking for a quiet night in, the lodge has three fire places, a jetted tub in the master bathroom, and a TV. On Thanksgiving day, do not worry about the size of the kitchen as it can comfortably fit six to seven people.

Number of Guests: 22

Cost (for 22 guests): $54.55/night/person

Travel Time: 5 hour flight (DFW to IDA) + 1.5 hour drive from airport

****All photos (including Cover photo) courtesy of Airbnb.

5 Reasons why your next Girls Only Spa Retreat should be at the Hotel Crescent Court

August 17, 2020 by VacationLikeALocal, posted in Destination Weddings, Travel, Where to Stay

I have been in a total of five weddings, including my own. During my time as a bridesmaid, I have had a few awesome experiences and some experiences that were not as great. So, when the time finally came for me to be a bride I knew exactly what I wanted to do to show my appreciation for my bridesmaids, mother, and future mother-in-law. I have also come to realize that days leading up to the wedding are almost always the most stressful (for everyone…including some of the guests). Therefore, as a gift for my bridesmaids and the moms, I wanted to gift them with an experience rather than a tangible gift. For this gift, I chose to have a spa getaway the day before our wedding at one of the most best known and most luxurious 5-star locations in the area, Hotel Crescent Court.

Our experience having a spa weekend getaway at Hotel Crescent Court did not just meet; but rather exceeded all of our expectations! We all loved every bit of it. If I was forced to redo any aspect of my wedding weekend, I would not change a single thing. Here are my five reasons why I would book another girls only Spa Getaway at Hotel Crescent Court in a heartbeat.

Great Prices for the Quality of Service

There are quite a few luxury 4-star and 5-star hotels in Dallas, TX. All of which offer elegant suites and most of which offer great spa amenities. After doing some research, I found that Hotel Crescent Court offered the spa services I wanted to give my bridesmaids and mothers at a more reasonable price than other hotels of the same (and sometimes lower) caliber. Because their prices were so reasonable, I was able to pay for even more spa services that I was originally planning on purchasing. I ended up giving everyone a 50 minute massage, a 50 minute pedicure, a 25 minute manicure, and a 50 minute facial.

The prices for the rooms are also more reasonable than expected. I was also able to afford an the astonishing Uptown Suite on the top floor for an overnight stay. But more on this awesome suite later.

The Spa is Amazing

The award-winning spa is located in the lowest level of the Hotel Crescent complex. As we arrived in the 22,000 square foot spa we were immediately greeted by an associate who gave us a tour of their state of the art facilities. These facilities include: steam room, dry sauna, hot tub, cold tub, showers, lounges, and a weight room/workout facility. Of course the Hotel Crescent Court offers a wide variety of spa services. But we highly recommend the Rose Grand Cru Facial, the French Clay Detox Body Therapy, and the Stone Therapy Massage.

A wide variety of wellness/fitness classes are offered at the Hotel Crescent Court Spa. There are a wide variety of fitness classes for all levels of fitness. We recommend the Yoga Stretch, Body Balance, and the Core and More Sculpting classes.

The Uptown Suite

In previous weddings, other members of the bridal party and I stayed have always stayed at a hotel the night before. However, often times there was never really enough space or beds for everyone, so a few people had to sleep on the couch. Trust me, it is never fun when you are staying in a suite at a 4-star to 5-star hotel and end up sleeping on the couch. So, with my wedding, I wanted to avoid this situation at all costs for my bridesmaids.

The Hotel Crescent Court stood out to me as I was doing my research; because when compared to other hotels of the same caliber in the area, the Crescent had more affordable suites. To top it off, compared to the other hotels, I found that Hotel Crescent Court had suites that were more like apartments. When I read about the amenities for The Uptown Suite, I knew this was the suite that we needed. This amazing suite is two stories and includes; 2 bedrooms (each fully equipped with King sized beds and TV’s), 2.5 bathrooms, a large dining table, living area, a sun room, butlers’ pantry, coat closet, and exquisitely large landscape windows. If you are looking into a nice staycation with a few of your girlfriends, we highly recommend you look into the Uptown Suite (get the one on the 7th floor).

It’s so quiet

Not enough can be said about how much I appreciate quietness. There have been so many times at other hotels where we could hear people in the halls, arguments about “lack of communication” in the room next door, and even noise from outside. Despite it’s location in the middle of Oak Lawn, we had no trouble at all with ambient city noises bothering us during the day or waking us up in the middle of the night. As far as noises in the hallway, we never heard anyone in the hallway. Really truly, the only ambient noises we could hear, were the sounds that other members of our party made as they moved around in the suite taking care of their own business. It is easy for us to conclude, that the lack of external noise was the absolute linchpin for our wonderful stay at the Hotel Crescent Court.

Stunning Interior Design

Picture stunning 1920’s Art Deco Design but with a more Modern twist. You have just imagined that lovely interior of Hotel Crescent Court. The interior designer (waldrop+nichols studio, llc) has truly outdone themselves with creating one of the most welcoming designs we have ever seen. The natural lighting in the grand foyer and the guest rooms offers guests with a sense of genuine happiness as if the weight of the world has momentarily been lifted off your shoulders. We can honestly say, that (until our stay at Hotel Crescent Court) we have never experienced a hotel that has a genuine ability to call us in with its interior design saying “Come, get away from all your worries of the world and sit with us. Relax, all will be well.”

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7 Wellness Resorts Around Texas for an Escape

January 27, 2020January 28, 2020 by VacationLikeALocal, posted in Travel, Where to Stay

This post was originally written for and published on the Dallasites101 Blog. To see the original article click here.

Sometimes it easy to forget that there is more to this state than just Dallas and everything going on in the city! If you are ready for an escape for some R&R, we have gathered 7 wellness resorts around the state that are sure to help you wind down!

MIRAVAL AUSTIN

MIRAVAL AUSTIN

Set only 30 minutes outside of Austin overlooking the Lake Travis, Miraval is a perfect place to retreat into your personal inner world of peace for a tranquil getaway. The property is staffed with astrologers, psychics, mystics, pilates instructors, yoga instructors, sound healers, and therapists. Unlike booking a room at a hotel, Miraval sells packages. The Miraval Ultimate Package starts at $629 per night and includes a $175 nightly credit, unlimited classes, luxurious accommodations, unlimited snacks, meals, and non-alcoholic beverages.

AUSTIN | DIRECTIONS

LAKE AUSTIN SPA RESORT

Lake Austin Spa Resort was the #1 Texas Resort by Conde Nast Traveler in 2018 and is a great location for anyone looking for a couples getaway. This awesome facility offers a whole host of wonderful activities including: fitness and culinary classes, lectures, boating, Yoga, Meditation, Health, and many more. Other water activities include hydro-bikes, kayaks, and sculling boats. There are two types of packages that this exclusive Spa Resort offers its customers, but we recommend the Spa Refresher Package that costs $575 per person per night; a $160 spa and fitness credit per person per night, is included with this package!

AUSTIN | DIRECTIONS

HORSESHOE BAY RESORT

HORSESHOE BAY RESORT

Nominated for the 2019 Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, Horseshoe Bay Resort offers quite a few unique accommodations for their guests. For sleeping accommodations, guests have the option to either stay in a hotel room or they have the option to rent a lakeside condo, villa, or private home. They have a private jet center which includes fuel services and discounts, hangar storage, vehicle rental, charter services, and more. Anyone looking for a romantic getaway, there are several fun activities for couples which includes: sunset cruises, Winery Tours, and couples massages.

HORSESHOE BAY | DIRECTIONS

DEER LAKE LODGE

Glamping paired with a full spa and wellness facilities, Deer Lake Lodge is the perfect place for anyone looking to get far off the beaten path. Amenities includes a shop that sells CBD oils, creams, and ointments, detox and cleansing services, massages, facials, body wraps, colon hydrotherapy, harmonizing rituals, iridology, reiki, scalp therapy, ionic foot baths, private and group yoga sessions. The minimum stay is three days and two nights and guests are given the option to stay in either a cabin or a suite. Suites start at $1050 for three days and two nights. Cabins start at $1250 for three days and two nights.

MONTGOMERY | DIRECTIONS

LOST PINES RESORT & SPA

Set right outside of Austin, Lost Pines Resort and Spa is the most family-friendly resort spa on this list, with several activities that are enjoyable for adults and children alike. These activities include trapshooting, fishing excursions, tomahawk throwing, archery, equestrian, ziplining, survival skills, kayaking, and more. Some enjoyable activities geared more for adults include: Wolfdancer Golf Club, Spa Django, StayFit Gym, Stories Fine Dining, Shellers Barrelhouse Bar and Scribes Club (seasonal).

CEDAR CREEK | DIRECTIONS

CIBOLO CREEK RANCH

Located just East of the Chinati Mountains in Marfa, there is a highly exclusive hotel that is worth visiting at least once in your lifetime. Cibolo Creek Ranch has some fantastic amenities including wonderful ranch-style cuisine and fine wines, a pool, charging stations for your Tesla, fitness center, media room, and a private airstrip. You can even bring your best furry friend because pets are allowed everywhere on the ranch except for the dining room. Guests have the option to either rent a Fort or a Room.

MARFA | DIRECTIONS

THE JOULE

If you don’t want to leave Dallas, the Joule Hotel is a fantastic alternative! It is home to a full spa and a fitness studio (VITAL) that includes group fitness and yoga classes. It’s the spa that takes the cake though – you’ll head down to a cave-like set up with impeccable facilities that include a special rainfall shower, steam room, sauna, coed pool with lounge chairs, a relaxation room with tea and snacks and some of the best treatments in town.

DALLAS | DIRECTIONS

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5 Beautiful French Chateaus that are Perfect for Destination Weddings

January 20, 2020January 19, 2020 by VacationLikeALocal, posted in Destination Weddings, Travel, Weddings, Where to Stay

After my engagement, I seriously considered having a destination wedding. Of course, my dream venue for a destination wedding would have been a unique (yet stunning) French chateau. This would allow my guests and I to spend a ween on vacation, then celebrate the end of the week with a wedding. Eventually, we decided to stay in the Dallas area for my wedding. But I did want to share the five chateaus that I was considering prior to making the decision to stay in Dallas. Even if you are not planning a destination wedding, you can still rent theses Chateaus as a holiday/vacation home.

Chateau de Jaques

Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels

This stunning property is a fantastic place for anyone who is looking for something small and private. The chateau can comfortably accommodate up to 32 guests. There are so many sights for you and your guests to see during your stay at Chateau de Jaques. The Chateau itself is on roughly 24 acres of land which includes lush gardens, wooded areas, and a courtyard. For those who love the outdoors, there are cycle and equine trails nearby. The Marne River is also about a 15 minute walk from the Chateau. For those who are looking more for the hustle and bustle of a city, the stunning town of Chalons-en-Champagne is a 10 minute drive away. There are several fun activities for you and your guests in Chalons-en-Champagne, but definitely try Caves Joseph Peirre (also function as a champagne house), a canal cruise, Musee des Beaux-Arts et d’Archeologie, Les Jards, Circus Performances, and Basilique Notre-Dame de l’Epine. It is also worth noting that Paris is just an hour train ride away.

Max. Number of Guests: 32

Estimated Price: $33/guest/night

Region: Champagne

Chateau des Joyaux

Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels

Chateau des Joyaux is perhaps one of the most notable chateaus in the Loire Valley. The ornate appearance and decor makes the beautiful chateau look like it came straight out of the pages of your favorite fairy tale story. For anyone who is looking for a fantasy dream wedding, the Chateau des Joyaux is available to rent as a holiday home and can accommodate you, your significant other, and 48 of your closest friends and family. There are many things for you and your guests to do during your stay. The Loire Valley is home to some of the best wine in the world. While you are there, be sure to take advantage of the A La Francaise! Loire Valley wine tour!

Max. Number of Guests: 50

Estimated Price: $149.68 (if 50 people go)

Region: Loire Valley

The Exclusive Village

Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels

Why get married in a French Chateau, when you can get married in a fully renovated 13th Century French Village? This lovely village is complete with 14 houses (with modern pluming and Wifi access), a church, private garden, and a vaulted reception room.This venue is a fantastic option for you and your wedding guests, because the separate houses will allow your guests to have more privacy should they need it. The Exclusive Village is located in Gascony which is the most rural region of France. However, there are somethings to do. About a 20 minute drive from the village down of Condom, France. For activities to do there are several options available Condom; try the distillery tour at Chateau le Courrejot, a boat tour with Gascogne Navigation, and Le Padoue Bar and Restaurant.

Max. Number of Guests: 80

Estimated Price: Inquire with the Website

Region: Midi-Pyrenees

Chateau Crystal

Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels

This lovely estate is located on 105 stunning acres. The estate is large enough for just about any desired outdoor activity, including: Hot Air Ballooning, Hunting, Cycling and Equine. For your guests who enjoy fishing, there is a 22 acre pond on the estate property that is perfect for their favorite activity. If you have guests that are looking more for the hustle and bustle of a big city, Angers is just a 20 minute drive! While you are there be sure to visit Musee Jean-Lurcat (12-century hospital), Musee des Beaux-Arts, the Angers Cathedral, Jardin des Plantes, and Carre Cointreau (Triple Sec Distillery).

Max. number of Guests: 38

Estimated Price: $44.84/night/person (if all 38 people)

Region: Loire Valley

Chateau le Duc and Gite

Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels
Photo Courtesy of Oliver Travels

This beautiful chateau encompasses all the elegance of french decor, yet has the coziness of home. You and your guests will feel secluded on the 12 acres of land. There are plenty of activities to do on the estate including Badminton Tennis, and barbecue. If there is anyone who loves to golf, there is a golf course in Excideuil that is about 15 minutes away. Or if you would like to include a wine tasting as part of your nuptial festivities, Chateau le Duc can host a wine tasting for you.

Max. Number of Guests: 43

Estimated Price: Inquire with the Website

Region: Dordogne

All these holiday Chateaus were chosen organically found on Oliver’s Travels

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The Most Instagramable Hotel in Austin, TX – The Driskill

September 23, 2019September 17, 2019 by VacationLikeALocal, posted in Travel, Where to Stay

Happy First Day of Autumn! It is now officially my favorite season of the year! Autumn is my favorite season for many reasons! I love the fall colors, the weather (Texas weather during Fall is glorious), Texas Tech Football, and of course the holidays.

Thanksgiving is easily one of my favorite holidays during the Autumn Season! With fall finally upon us, it is officially time to start solidifying our travel plans for the Thanksgiving Holiday. This Thanksgiving, my boyfriend and I will be traveling to the lovely and bohemian Texas Capital (Austin, TX). We are primarily visiting so that we can attend the Texas v. Texas Tech Football Game on November 29th. But I digress, I am super thrilled to visit the city of Austin! During our trip, he and I will be staying at the amazing Driskill Hotel.

Perfect Location for Instagram

Photo Courtesy of The Driskill Hotel

Originally opened in 1886 by Cattle Barron, Jesse Driskill; the hotel has seen some amazing events and A-class guests (including President Lyndon B. Johnson) over the last 130(+) years. Currently, the hotel part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. The Hyatt has made the conscious decision to stay true to the hotel’s original Romanesque Revival Architecture. The Interior Decor (expertly designed by Volz & Associates, Inc.) is an absolutely stunning and ornate Art Deco Design that includes many period-motifs. This makes the Driskill the perfect location for any Instagramable moment, especially: marriage proposals, wedding pictures, family photos, and more!

Rooms & Amenities

My boyfriend and I will be staying in a Balcony room, which is one of the premium guest rooms available (aside from the Suites). Along with traditional room amenities (i.e. flat screen TV, Wifi, In-room Safe, and several more); this room also includes fantastic view of historic 6th Street in the Heart of Downtown Austin. Other amenities include, museum-quality art work, live music every night, upscale dining, and traditions such as afternoon tea. Nightly turn-down services are also available for anyone wanting to add a little more romance to their stay.

1886 Cafe & Bakery

Photo Courtesy of The Driskill Hotel

The 1886 Cafe & Bakery is open daily from 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM and serves breakfast and lunch all morning and early afternoon. Executive Chef, Christian Aptez, delights his patrons with fantastic breakfast options, including: Austin Hot Fried Chicken, Smoked Salmon & Bagel, Hangover Omlet, and the vegan Texas-Shaped Waffle. Some lunch options include Poblano Corn Soup (which is gluten-free), Arugula & Melon Salad, Turkey B.L.T Croissant, and the Hangover Burger. To drink, be sure to try their The Breezy One Cocktail.

Every Second Monday at 6:00 PM, the 1886 Cafe & Bakery hosts the Craft Series at 1886. This series offers guests four craft beers accompanied by a four course dinner all for the great price of $45.

The Driskill Bar

Photo Courtesy of The Driskill Hotel

Named one of the Top 10 Bars in America by USA Today and Best Bar in Texas by Southern Living, The Driskill Bar is a wonderful gathering spot for travelers over the age of 21. Happy Hour is from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Daily. If you are looking for a few bites to eat: try their Margarita Flatbread or Smoked French Dip. Or after a long day, guests can relax in a large lounge chair, listen to some live music (which is offered nightly), socialize with some new friends, all while sipping on the The Batini (the Official Drink of Austin).

This post was originally written by Kelsey Andriot and posted on The Chronicles of Kelsey Blog.

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Staycation at the NYLO Dallas Plano Hotel

April 19, 2019April 13, 2019 by VacationLikeALocal, posted in Local Businesses

Generally, I am not one for making new years resolutions. But I do like to set goals. In January 2019, I sat down and wrote myself a list of goals that are actually attainable. I specifically like to make goals that have a progress that is easy to monitor.

In regards to travel, I made only two goals. The first goal is that I would have at least one staycation per quarter (with a total of four staycations per year). The second travel goal was to take one (or two) vacation(s) this year. Please note, when I wrote down these goals I actually gave them a number rather than just saying “more.” Maybe I should write another post all about personal goal-setting.

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The year 2019 has been a crazy year so far. Hence, the reason I am taking my first staycation in the second quarter of 2019. This staycation was very much needed as school, work, and my personal life have been absolutely insane. For this staycation I decided to stay at the NYLO Dallas Plano Hotel in Plano, Texas.

The NYLO Dallas Plano Hotel is part of the Hilton Tapestry Collection. This collections is specifically for hotels that are unique and original. I reserved my room using the Hilton Honors App. The app is super easy to use and very convenient. Using this app, you can search for and reserve Hilton Hotels all over the world. The benefits becoming a member of the Hilton Honors include discounted hotels stays, earning points towards a free stay, free Wifi, Digital check-in, and the ability to choose your room. I specifically choose the NYLO Dallas Plano because I love the uniqueness of the modern interior design.

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I stayed in the King Junior Suite. It was exactly the size that I needed to focus on my blog and on homework. This suite came with two rooms. The room pictured above is the living space and a work space. It came with a desk and chair combo, a fridge, comfortable couch, and side table.

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The main bedroom included the bed (of course) and small mini bar. In the photo above I am using the mini bar as a desk. I loved the natural light in the main bedroom. It was exactly what I needed to get some things accomplished.

Take-Aways From my Stay at the NYLO Dallas Plano:

The floor and walls are made of concrete. As a result, there can be an echo from other rooms. But you can always upgrade to a quieter room.
Getting the right temperature in the Shower can take some time. But I loved the shower! It is large enough to fit two people and the shower head is huge, so the water is very immersive.
It is conveniently located
- The Star Center – 7 minute drive
- Stonebriar Mall – 2 minute drive
- The Shops at Legacy – 5 minute drive
- Legacy West – 6 minute drive
- The Boardwalk at Granite Park – 4 minute drive
- Numerous eateries and food locations right next door and across the street (all within a walk-able distance).

This Post was originally posted on The Chronicles of Kelsey. If you like what you see please leave a comment below and follow this blog. Also, be sure to follow Kelsey on Instagram and Facebook.

Fancy French Cuisine with My Two Favorite People

February 27, 2019August 29, 2019 by VacationLikeALocal, posted in Gourmet Coffee & Tea, Local Businesses

DSC_0028-2 — My Personal Favorite Romper. Olive Green Kaileigh from Stitch Fix. Sorry, my hair is a mess from the wind blowing and this was a candid shot.

Yesterday, I had the wonderful pleasure of going to Toulouse Cafe & Bar with two of my favorite people, Jamie (my brother) and Bre (his girlfriend). I could not have asked to go to a better fine dining, luxury, 5 star restaurant with a better couple!

DSC_0025-3 — My Favorite Couple! Beautiful on the Inside and Out! I cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for you guys!

Let’s start by saying that Toulouse Cafe & Bar is very quaint! The interior design is absolutely stunning! Despite the small size of the interior, the restaurant decor and abundant natural lighting gives the restaurant an airy and very open feel. Also, Bre wanted me to let you know that she found the bench seats to be very comfortable (hehe)! The three of us loved our seats and the friendly and accommodating service at Toulouse.

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We all had something to drink. I had the Hibiscus Margarita, it was excellent! Jamie had the Toulouse Old Fashioned; and Bre had a Mimosa. they were all really good! Unfortunately, I was able to get a good shot of my drink. But it was pink and fruity with a touch of salt!

Toulouse Old Fashioned

Mimosa

Despite having a 12 pm reservation, we all decided to have brunch. I had the Eggs Any Style. Again, unfortunately I was unable to get a picture of my meal. However I did get a picture of Jamie and Bre’s meal. Jamie had the Omlette Provençal and Bre had the Orange French Toast. My meal was very tasty. I also tried Bre’s breakfast, it was great.

Orange French Toast

Omlette Provencale

Jamie and Bre, thank you for joining me! I will love you guys and cannot wait to go on more adventures with you guys! XOXO

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This Post was originally posted on The Chronicles of Kelsey. If you like what you see please leave a comment below and follow this blog. Also, be sure to follow Kelsey on Instagram and Facebook.