Seen in the lobby: Regina Spektor

Born in Moscow, this Jewish-American singer, songwriter and pianist is associated with the anti-folk scene centered on New York City's East Village. Her song, "The Call" appeared prominently in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian as part of the film's finale sequence. Check out Songs for Tibet in which she participated in an initiative to support Tibet's human rights struggle.

A Contented Guest

Dear Wendy,
Happy holidays! Hope you enjoyed your vacation. I had a wonderful stay as always. See you in the New Year! Scott (Ewald) from Bobby Jones Retail

M'ar De Ar Hotels

A special thanks goes out to the staff of both M'ar De Ar Hotels in Evora for their magnanimous hospitality. I read somewhere that "The Alentejo is like an ocean of plains, where the fresh air we inhale is an ocean of stars." The Muralhas and Aqueduto hotels were completely renovated and located in the heart of the area classified by UNESCO as World Heritage. One graced the medieval wall encompassing Evora and the other adjacent to the 16th century aqueduct. They were worth the trip alone! http://www.mardearhotels.com/

Cromeleque dos Almendres

This 4,000 year-old Portuguese Stonehenge stands in the midst of cork trees down a dirt road that's five miles west of Evora. Perhaps a ritual gathering spot for Stone Age sun-worshipers. There were no kiosks to buy souvenirs and no signs; just a few goats grazing near by. Refreshing.

Mingling with the natives

Evora

Evora's subtle yet powerful charm, contained within medieval walls, compelled us to stay a couple of nights before returning to Lisbon. The food was some of the best on the trip. I tried everything, short of marinated pigs' ears and barnacles. Alentejo region boasts some of Portugal's best red wines. The Romans knew exactly what they had going in the second century B.C. So did the Moors and Portuguese kings. Pictured here is rabbit stew.

Sintra

The magical hilltop palace sits high above Sintra and above the Moorish Castle ruins. The Portuguese romantic Prince Ferdinand and cousin of Bavaria's Mad King Ludwig who built this fantasy castle mixed a whole bunch of architectural elements including Gothic, Moorish and Disney!

Sardines

I must admit that I was willing to try everything, food-wise on this trip. These grilled sardines, a very popular dish in Portugal, were my first trial - and error. But the Alfama area of Lisbon was one of the sweetest memories I have of this very 'user friendly' city. One of the oldest parts of the city, surviving the famed earthquake of 1755, the streets aren't car compatible and pass only as alleyways between residences.

Lights, Action, Glow

I spent last week in Portugal on vacation. My girlfriend and I arrived in Lisbon on Sunday, November 16th, checked into the Ritz Four Seasons Hotel and prepared for our first view of this beautiful city. We had noticed that the holiday decorations had been hung across the boulevards and around the monuments. But were wondering all day if they would light up. To our amazement and delight we only had to wait until sundown. And Wha Lah, there were twinkles, balls, strands and strings of lights every where. It was magical.

Thought for the day - Happy Thanksgiving

Take care of those who work for you and you'll float to greatness on their achievements.
-H.S.M. Burns

Seen at the Luxe

Seen in the lobby this evening: The Gipsy Kings. Their music has been described as a place where "Spanish flamenco and Romani rhapsody meet salsa funk". Their 1993 album "Love and Liberte" won the Latin Grammy Award for "Best Pop Album of the Year," and contained the enduring song "Montana," an emotional account of gipsies chased from their birthplace by prejudice and persecution. Volare!

A Happy Guest

Dear Wendy,
My boyfriend Larry and I just LOVE staying at the Luxe. It is our #1 choice when we come up from San Diego. My favorite things are: the wonderful and friendly staff (the best valets in BH!), the front bar area with great people-watching on the street (I always have my friends meet me there because it is so cool) and the great convenience (I can walk everywhere!).
Expect to see us back again soon!
- Robin Stark http://www.starklandcellars.com

Photo Exhibit by the Creators of 24

The Paley Center presents a photo exhibit by members of the cast and creative team of the hit series 24, including Kiefer Sutherland. These photos were taken in South Africa during the filming of the upcoming television movie 24: Redemption, which premieres on Sunday November 23rd and bridges the gap between seasons six and seven. On display from November 12 to January 11, 2009. The Paley Center is just one block north from the the Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive. Check it out!

Seen at the Luxe

Paris Hilton graces the cover of the latest GenLux magazine this issue. Devoted to getting a head start on the holidays, GenLux threw a fabulous party in the Rodeo Drive Penthouse at Luxe Hotel Rodeo Drive. [Paris] Seen here with Thomas Haidet, Guest Services, and Conrad Rosales, Front Office Manager.

A Happy Guest

Dear Wendy, Joane and I want to thank you very much for your hospitality and the courtesy you extended to us during our stay. It was greatly appreciated. Hope to see you soon. Best,David

Christmas is around the corner

Seen here at Union Square where they are putting up the Christmas tree and making an ice rink. I stopped by The Grove yesterday in Los Angeles and, again, the tree was going up. Is the holiday creeping up on us a little too early?

Trolley ride

Margit and I just had to say, "What? It costs $5 for a trolley ride?" Was it worth it? For the up hill trek - every penny.

View from my room

Staying in San Francisco, one has to have a view of one of the bridges. This one happens to be the Bay Bridge, near the Ferry Building, and across from the Griffon Hotel [a Luxe Hotel].

Luxe Hotels reception

Margit and I held a reception at Perry's at The Griffon Hotel, in San Francisco, on Thursday night. We were thrilled to be joined by so many representatives of the press and travel managers.

"It sure was a pleasure meeting you. Hope you and Margit had a fun Friday evening.
Thank you for the lovely venue on Thursday night and for sending the photo from that event! Hope to send clients your way and please keep me mind should you need any information regarding our lovely city and wine country." All my best, Alyce [ALYCE M. PAGANO]
Travel Consultant, Conlin Travel

SFO wait

Spent two days in San Francisco doing sales calls with Margit Haut, Director of Sales at Luxe Hotel Sunset Blvd. At this point I was overdo on an audio book by four days. I'm addicted to 'books-on-tape' and I had to finish it before the West Hollywood librarians came knocking at my door. At twenty-five cents per day for late fees, I could afford to keep it for an extra week!