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Midtown Manhattan Last November Don and I stayed at this famous 36-story hotel, in Midtown Manhattan. This is how the entrance looked in the afternoon, a few hours after our arrival.  When our Uber pulled up in the morning, there were no festive decorations yet. The entrance was bustling with arriving guests. The doormen did more directing than luggage handling. Exterior View I stood on the sidewalk and looked up at the famous hotel. Where's the top? I couldn't pause long, since we were moving quickly to join the line inside the lobby.
I stepped out later and stood on the corner of 54th Street and 6th Avenue (Avenue of the Americas) and looked up. I wanted to be impressed, but scaffolding blocked the lower level. Bad luck. 36 Floors in 1926 If we'd arrived in the Roaring Twenties, I could have much more easily seen the towering structure. 100 years ago, there were fewer tall buildings surrounding.  When the 36-story apartment hotel was built in 1926, it was one of the tallest buildings in the world. William Randolph Hearst & Marion Davies The Warwick was built by the famous tycoon, William Randolph Hearst. The purpose was mostly so Hearst could gift an entire floor to his mistress, Marion Davies. The Broadway starlet must have appreciated the hotel's location, so close to the theatre district.  Hearst also used the hotel to host lavish parties for his elite Hollywood friends. By the late 1940s, Hearst no longer owned the the Warwick, but the hotel continued to attract stars for years. Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Judy Garland, Lucille Ball, Cary Grant and endless others, spent time here. Mid-Century Warwick This mid-century postcard shows the hotel about 3 decades after it was built. In the image, the hotel is still standing taller than the other skyscrapers, but the top of the tower looks less elaborate.  In the 1950s, Hearst no longer owned the hotel and Marion Davies no longer lived in her penthouse on the very top floor. I have no clue what's up there today. Windows! I wasn't able to view the upper section, when standing on the sidewalk. But I could see lots of windows and some of the limestone and granite base.  There are 426 guest rooms, but I have no clue how many windows. It would have been fun to have seen the window cleaners at work!
If we'd stayed on the 36th floor, I'm not really sure what would we would have viewed, besides other soaring buildings. But the guests in lower rooms (near the glowing letters) probably had fun views on Thanksgiving... when the Macy's Parade traveled right beside The Warwick! Lobby Unlike my photos, the lobby was crowded when we arrived on Monday morning. We followed others through the entrance, into a somewhat modest lobby. Modest for a hotel of this size.  We joined the check-in line, that ended near the revolving doors. Murals on 54 & Randolph's We waited in line at the top of the steps, between 2 inviting doors
Later during our stay, we would enjoy breakfast at Murals and drinks at Randolph's. Check-In Don and I knew there was little chance of early check in, but hoped to at least unload our bags. We enjoyed lots of people watching. No ritzy Hollywood guests, I'm afraid. Mostly families taking up space in the limited seating of the lobby.  The staff was efficient and friendly even though they'd been dealing with an insane number of guests checking in and out. I'm not sure why so many guests had arrived at 11? Maybe a tour bus arrived before us. Music Icons at The Warwick I didn't ask about the busy lobby, but I did ask the clerk at the desk about the photo on a nearby wall. "Is that Elvis in that photo?"  He said that it was. Elvis stayed in 1957, when he was on the Ed Sullivan Show. Less than a decade later, The Beatles would enjoy a stay at The Warwick. The hotel manager told me that Paul McCartney stayed frequently in more recent years. "Sir Paul loves this place. He has always been very pleasant... used to go to the Starbucks around the corner." Cary Grant's Elevators Don and I didn't join the lounging lobby guests. We headed to lunch and returned when our room was ready. We didn't book the 1,200 square-foot Cary Grant Suite, for over $1,000. But we did ride up in an elevator that I'm sure the actor probably used... frequently!  The dashing actor lived at the hotel for 12 years. I guess it's quite possible he had access to a private elevator. I should have asked. Room 1923 Our more than reasonably priced room was on the 19th floor.  There was nothing overly grand, but the room had been updated in the last decade and we were in an incredible Midtown location. Hard to believe we could stay for just $193.00! We made some coffee and had a caffeine toast!
There was a mod-velvet chair for Don and a tub for me! Renovations often loose the tubs, so I was pleased.
And the view! I had to laugh when we opened the drapes a saw the view of brick and tile! Exploring After a while, I left Don in the blue chair and headed down to explore the lower level.  The lobby was quieter and the Christmas decorations had gone up. The entrance was no longer chaotic with arriving guests.
2 men were casually putting up festive soldiers and lights. I walked to the corner and found another entrance to the hotel. I spotted a dapper man exiting.
The sign above the door lured me in. I came through the 2 doors and found some pleasing designs on the floor and ceiling. A door on the right led to Randolph's, but it didn't open until 5.
I walked towards the cozy sitting area with shelves. I found myself back in the lobby. Slow Elevators Now it was time to admire the wreaths in the arches above the elevators, while I waited and waited...  Usually there were many guests awaiting/riding the slow elevators. Which sometimes led to some pleasant socializing. The hotel often felt more like a relaxed cruise ship than a luxury hotel. Drinks at Randolph's Before heading off to dinner, Don and I stopped in Randolph's for drinks.  This cozy spot looked inviting at 5:30, but Don suggested sitting in a livelier space. The bar's corner location with walls of windows, added to the festive vibe. The activity outside the windows was entertaining.  The carpet design was appealing, but oh how I wished we'd seen the rose-themed carpet that once covered the floor. Hearst had rose designs in many parts of the hotel, to honor Marion Davies. Her nickname was Rosebud. Besides tables, there were numerous small group spaces. We grabbed a comfy spot, near a wonderful camel statue. After a while another couple asked to use the remaining seats. We ended up having a wonderful time chatting about travel and grandkids and New York.  Our photo was taken by a family member seated behind us, on the other side of the camel. I met the reunion group when I stepped over to take a photo of the camel. They were amused and asked me to play photographer for them, then offered to do the same for us. Silly.
We enjoyed Randolph's again on the second night. This time we arrived late after being out. I promise I was not as woozy as I look. Just happy. Morning Both mornings I wandered early to enjoy the hotel before crowds.
I was thrilled when the very kind manager recommended a trip up the stairs, off the lobby. After turning the corner I found walls with photos.  So many famous guests over the years.
At the top of the stairs I found a quiet sitting area, with a fireplace at one end.  Nice to know this quiet area existed, since there wasn't much sitting space in the busy lobby. Back down at the base of the stairs, I stopped to look at the crystal chandelier near the lobby desk.  My photo also shows another entrance to Mural's on 54th. Mural's on 54th The 2-level restaurant is only open for breakfast and brunch.  The restaurant gets its curious name from Dean Cornwell's historic murals, that cover 2 walls.  In 1937, the murals were commissioned by Hearst for The Raleigh Room, which was the original name of the hotel's restaurant. Scandalous Murals The historic scenes in the murals focus on Queen Elizabeth and Sir Walter Raleigh. I was actually more interested in the history of the spat between Hearst and the artist who painted the scenes... which led to some obscene surprises in the art.  Years ago there was a dispute between Hearst and Cornwell involving the artist's compensation. Cornwell wasn't happy and responded by painting obscene images in the murals. Cornwell's images showed a man peeing on the queen and another man peeing on Sir Walter Raleigh!  Our breakfast table gave us a good view of the mural that showed Sir Walt receiving his charter from Queen Liz. However, we did not get to enjoy the outrageous peeing images. Cornwell eventually painted over them, after being covered for 40 years! Coffee and Food Don and I took a break from mural-gazing and ordered.
I sipped coffee out of my cup with its clever, W & Crown logo. It inspired a toast to Queen Elizabeth. Cheers for putting up with 40 years of pee! I asked our server Rhonda for breakfast suggestions. She said she loved the chef's French Toast, but it wasn't on the menu. She disappeared and came back to tell us he was happy to make it.  Yum! Thick toast, with powdered sugar, syrup and whipped cream, along with a fresh fruity sauce!  Don's omelet with grilled ham and potatoes was a feast that Sir Walter Raleigh would have enjoyed. After we dined, I wandered and got a better peek at the other wall.
This mural also had some details that Cornwell added, to cause a stir. The Indian's bare bottom was considered very risqué in 1938. The mural however was left alone. Check Out Here is my last photo at The Warwick. We checked out, the morning before Thanksgiving Eve. Don was texting an Uber.  We were sad to leave, since we hadn't even begun to explore all the places that were so near the hotel. But room prices were tripling, due to the upcoming parade. Location So we left our wonderful location. The photos below show some of the nearby places we explored, during our brief stay. We weren't really sad to leave. We were going to my brother and sister-in-laws, in Brooklyn! What's Notable? The Warwick was the perfect location, with a great room rate and a very decent room. There were a lot of rooms packed into this hotel and there were a lot of non-fancy guests, just like us.  The hotel is not glitzy like it was a century ago. But Randolph's and Murals made up for that, with people encounters and curious history. I would say location, price and hotel history made our stay pretty darn good!
I'd be happy to stay again. Maybe when the exterior renovation is complete!
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Hosting Guests Since 1902 Don and I finally spent a night in this fabulous Manhattan hotel, that has been hosting guests for 123 years.  I was feeling giddy as we headed to the iconic hotel, on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. It had been a treat watching out the windows, while our Uber driver dealt with traffic stress. We arrived to see the hotel tucked away on a quiet Midtown block, just a short walk from Times Square. 12-Story Hotel It had been 22 years since we visited with our kids. I hoped The Algonquin wouldn't look worn or modernized. I hoped there would be no scaffolding or construction, hiding the limestone and brick.  I was delighted to see the 12-story hotel, looking as lovely as I remembered. Heading In We were dropped in front of the etched doors.  I looked through the glass and tried to recall. The lobby seemed brighter than it did in 2003. Sleeker I remember the area near the front desk being dimly lit. Everything looked fresher and newer.  I remember our teen kids years ago, being excited when they spotted the hotel cat, lounging on top of an old trunk. For over a century, rescue cats have come to live at The Algonquin. The last 12 have either been named Matilda or Hamlet. There have been 8 Hamlets and the first evidently was given his name by actor John Barrymore. Barrymore was a hotel resident himself for a period. He also played the role of Hamlet in 1922. Hamlet's House I don't remember seeing this grand cat house, back in 2003.  As we checked in with Maria I asked about the house, as well as the cat door behind the desk. Maria had to break the news that I wouldn't be spotting a cat during our stay. Hamlet XIII had recently moved on, but not to kitty heaven.  He was getting up in years and needed a quieter home. Before long the hotel will have a new furry resident. Always rescue kitties. Hamlet's Residence Maria pointed to a sitting area, just past the newspaper racks... which I remembered from before.  I took a peek and enjoyed the cozy space, where the orange-striped Hamlet ruled in recent years. Were the steps in the window, for Hamlet to climb? I spotted the prominent sign on another shelf. More steps and some round holes. I imagined Hamlet climbing through those circles, like a ghost cat walking through walls.  I noticed the cat bookends, too. I wish I'd taken a peek at those books. I should have found a cozy chair and read a book, or scribbled some poems on paper. After all, this hotel is now a National Literary Landmark.  I told Maria that the comfy library space looked a lot sleeker than I remembered. I was excited when I learned she was working at the hotel back in 2003. (she looked way too young) She told me her daughter was just 3 then and the hotel staff had been like a family to her. She worked her way up to this position. Special Gift The hotel was fairly quiet, so I was able to tell Maria about what I remembered from our brief visit years ago. I told her our 2 kids were now grown and feeling envious of our stay. I said maybe next year we'd return and bring the kids, spouses and 2 granddaughters with us! She smiled and disappeared.  Maria returned with a gift bag. Inside was a stuffed Hamlet cat and some bookmarks. She was sad that she only had one stuffed kitty left. No worries, because Don got on it. He found another kitty on the internet, so we could gift both little girls. Lobby Before heading to our room, the grand piano caught my eye. I could just imagine some of the hotel's theatrical guests over the years, gathering around this piano (or another) with martinis and song.  The space where the piano sat, confused me a bit. If my memory is correct, this area was where we sat for Thanksgiving, 22 years ago. It was not a typical Turkey Day meal as I recall. None of the holiday favorites. But the evening meal was very entertaining. The non-touristy guests surrounding us looked like they all had stories to tell. At least a couple guests dined alone, with books as I recall. Were they hotel residents? White and Bright Looking towards the seating in the front of the hotel, I pictured our family. In 2003 we had drinks sitting near the large window, before dinner.  Maria confirmed that the lobby area had brightened a few years back. The oak paneled walls were refurbished and painted white. She admitted that some regular guests complain about the abrupt change. Good and Bad I could easily be one of those complainers... never wanting things to change. I remember loving the dim coziness.  But the light paint made it easier to appreciate the designs in the arch and ionic columns. The artwork featuring the original members of The Algonquin Round Table, was also easier to see. Original Clock I don't actually remember this gorgeous clock, but it's as old as the hotel. Hamlet used to sleep on top. How did he get up there?  I learned later that the clock must be wound daily. It would have been fun to have witnessed the daily routine. Letters Written by Writers I imagine some interesting letters have been dropped into this mailbox, in the past 123 years!  Numerous literary notables have been guests and residents. William Faulkner, Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams, James Thurber, Sinclair Lewis and Maya Angelou in more recent times. I'm sad I didn't at least mail a postcard! Going Up! After checking out the lobby, we took the elevator to the 8th floor.
I took the stairs a few times, just for fun. How many shoes have climbed those steps and created dips in the marble?  The halls felt more cozy than glamorous. The walls displayed some wonderful pieces of art. Lots of vintage New Yorker covers, cartoons and illustrations. Dorothy Parker Message I especially loved that each door had a quote. This great one is from poet/critic Dorothy Parker. She was the hotel's most iconic guest.  Parker was one of the founders of Agonquin's Round Table literary group. Pretty amazing for a woman in the 1920s. She also lived at the hotel. There are many who claim her ghost haunts the hotel. Our Room Don and I were thrilled to book a room in this historic, well-located hotel, for under $300! We of course booked the cheapest room possible, but Maria kindly upgraded us to a King room.  We couldn't have been happier. I loved having a bigger bed.
I loved having a little NY themed artwork.  I even loved the odd shape of our room. Views I loved the view of the cool staircase, through the open door.
I can't say I loved the view from our window, but we were totally happy to have a quiet room that faced no streets.  The bathroom was fairly spacious for an old hotel. The window was nice for extra light and the small glass table top was helpful. Helpful grab bars? Glad we don't need those yet. Enjoying the Lobby We only had one night to enjoy, so we headed down to the community spaces.  The cozy seating by the front window brought back memories.
The etched glass looked pretty from inside and out. 2003 This is the only photo I have of the evening when our family came to enjoy dinner, years ago. We had arrived early so we could do some people watching with some wine and cokes and nuts.  You can see the dark woodwork and heavy drapes. You can see Don's legs struggling with the low chair. If you look carefully you can see the brass bell on the table, that we could tap for service. In 2025 I sat down to pose for a photo, since I wasn't in the old one. I texted it to the kids.
The table bell had been replaced with a more modern thing, with a button. We decided to hold off a while on cocktails and go for some caffeine first. Al Hirschfeld's Round Table We sipped our coffee and chatted with a very pleasant server who was cleaning tables. I asked about the famous Round Table, where critics, writers and "wits" gathered regularly from 1919 to 1929. Al Hirschfeld's art from 1962 depicts the scene well. He was a longtime regular at the hotel.  I asked the kind server if the Round Tabe still existed. He invited me to come have a look. Men at the Table I followed him past the Blue Bar and he pointed to the round table, where 3 men were happily engaged in conversation. They looked like they could be part of a 2025 version of The Vicious Circle group. I'm guessing these guys were a lot friendlier than the participants who gathered daily around the table in the twenties.  I would have been way too intimidated to sit down with those witty characters, a century ago. Luckily these guys were very welcoming. They said they had no Dorothy Parker at their table, so I offered to take her spot for a moment. They said they'd been meeting regularly at the table since before the pandemic. Nearly as long as the original Vicious Circle group. (I believe this may be a reproduction of the original table) Celebs of Long Ago Don and I headed up the stairs to dress for dinner and made a stop when we spotted this sitting room.  I was tempted to try out the smaller piano, but I looked at photos instead. Ethel Barrymore looked very young and fancy, in her portrait.
James Thurber's pose with glasses, intrigued me. I read that he was associated with the Round Table group, but got annoyed with the sassy banter at times. Blue Bar Since 1933 Don and I headed back down at 6:30 and stopped for a drink before heading out. The Algonquin's Blue Bar may look modern now, but it opened in 1933, at the end of Prohibition.  There was a nice crowd gathered, but we found 2 seats at the bar. (this photo was taken hours later) Hirschfeld My eyes were drawn to the blue lighting. Especially on the illuminated screen.   There was an ever-changing slideshow of Al Hirschfeld's carcicatures. It was fun being surrounded by images like the ones I remember seeing as a child, in the New York Times.
My parents always got the Sunday Times. I didn't care about the news, but I always searched the Theatre Section, eager to spot one of Hirschfeld's drawings.
I didn't care that much about the Broadway shows, or the famous stars in the caricatures. I was eager to hunt for the name of Hirschfeld's daughter NINA, hidden in the art! Learning From the Menu Even the bar menu was filled with Hirschfeld's artwork. Some of the drink options were entertaining also. Like a bottle of Dom Perignon for $495.  Some of the cocktail names, also entertained. Round Table, Matilda, Hamlet VIII.  I liked spotting some celeb faces. Jack Lemmon with a martini and cig! Dorothy Parker peeking out of the Men's Room.  It says here that Dorothy Parker never paid her hotel bill!  Here's a fun quote! "Let's get our of these wet clothes and into a dry martini." Cheers! Our bartender Colas was wonderful. He'd been tending at the Blue Bar for over 30 years.  When he gave Don his The Algonquin, (Dewer's whisky, dry vermouth & pineapple) I asked about his favorite celebrity sightings. He mentioned George Clooney and Leo DiCaprio. Nina I struck up a conversation with the woman seated beside me. She was from Germany and had stayed at The Algonquin numerous times. We chatted about the hotel cats.  We swapped some hurricane stories. Turns out she'd lived in Houston for a while. When we exchanged names and contact info, I was excited to learn her name was Nina! She wasn't aware that her name was hidden in the numerous Hirschfeld caricatures that surrounded us! Location Don and I headed off to dinner at 8:30 and found out just how conveniently located our hotel was.  On our walk to dinner in Koreatown, we got to enjoy some festive holiday decorations. We spotted the Empire State Building, Macy's windows and Bryant Park. I'm surprised we could even afford a hotel where we could walk to Times Square and Central Park! Quiet After 11 We returned after 11. All was quiet in the bar and restaurant, on that Sunday night.  I snapped a photo to compare with an old Algonquin postcard I'd gotten on Ebay.  I'm not sure exactly where this photo was taken. But I love comparing the styles and colors. Morning The lobby was also quiet in the early morning.
I was sad we didn't have time to linger over coffee at the Round Table, or in the comfy chairs beneath the Hirschfeld art. I did have enough time to let Little Hamlet have a moment in the cat house.
I wish I'd gotten a photo of the bellman's face when he did a double take. He laughed and said he thought Hamlet VII had returned for a moment. What's Notable? We couldn't have been happier with our brief stay! The staff was professional and friendly. Not a bit intimidating, as I somehow remember from 22 years ago.  The hotel was comfortable, classy and the location was perfect. The unique history was the icing on the cake. Oh how I wish my parents were alive to share their memories. I happen to know they have some from the 1960s!
I can't wait to return! Lucky Find! Last October, Don and I stumbled across this hotel, not far from Rome's Piazza del Popolo.  It was a very lucky find, because we'd just spent a night at a dreadful hotel and we were eager to change. Via della Fontanella We found the hotel while wandering on our first morning in Rome. The cobblestone street was more like a charming alley, with lots of pleasant activity.  We spotted the modest entrance and assumed it was a small boutique hotel. But Hotel Valadier actually occupies the entire block. Unique Interior It was 9:30 am when we stepped inside. I turned back to look at the unusual door design, between two display windows. Hard to believe this had once been a 17th century townhouse.  I stood back while Don stepped down into the lobby to inquire about rooms. Mirrored Lobby I studied the small lobby from above and questioned the size. The mirrored walls played a crazy trick on my eyes.  The woman at the desk said there were rooms available that morning. The price was quite decent, so we dashed back to the other hotel and returned with bags. When we arrived the doorman placed our bags around a marble statue at the bottom of the stairs. I laughed again at how those crazy mirrors made it look like our suitcases had multiplied.  I didn't laugh so much at the marble copy of Rape of Sabin, displayed at the top of the stairs. Art often focusses on disturbing stories. Rome is filled with art... Labyrinth The hotel staff was very gracious and turned us over to a kind bellman who guided us to our room. What a comical journey it was. Even with guidance, I felt like we were sloppily navigating the tricky passages within a haunted cruise ship.
There were many ups and downs. I tried to memorize the marble sculptures... so they could work as breadcrumbs to help me find my way, later.  After some twists and turns we reached darker halls with glossy walls and more mirrors. It felt like a spooky fun house. I was tempted to walk with outstretched arms to avoid bonking my face. There were a couple of elevators, sort of hidden in the wall.  We fit into this one, but a tinier elevator could not hold 3.
The elevator beside the dramatic sculpture, opened to more art. We got to enjoy a mosaic show, as we traveled. Connected Building The tiny box lifted us up one more floor. After a bit more walking, we came upon a double set of wood doors. We were evidently in a different wing of the hotel. Far, far from the lobby.
And then we found our room. #212! An Easier Route Our sweet bellman opened the door to our room, then insisted we follow him back down. He wanted to show us an easier route, that avoided the lobby. Our journey ended when we stepped out onto a different street. Via Del Corso! What a wonderfully charming street!
Before leaving us, he directed us how to unlock the large wooden doors, beneath the balcony. I looked up to be sure I would recognize this mystery entrance. And there it was, the balcony to our very room! Retracing Don and I retraced our steps, back to our room.  The large door from the street opened to a dim hall, with another marble friend. We greeted the shy statue and turned right. A small gate opened to another room.  Once through the gate, we had the choice of elevator or stairs. The marble stairs seemed quicker and safer.
After a small climb we found the 2 doors that led to the hall with our room. The sign "Corso 12 Rooms & Suites", helped to remind us. At Last! We stepped into our guest room and laughed about the amusing maze we had just experienced. Now we had time to settle in, for 3 nights.  The room was spacious and clean and comfy. There were a few funny flaws. The table and chair combo was handy, but Don's knees didn't exactly fit.
The bathroom was just fine, with robes and a decent shower. The mirrored was just right for Don, but a bit high for my 5 foot 2 height.
I could barely see my teeth while brushing them. The quilted headboard was a tiny bit worn, but the bed was comfy and having 2 nightstands always pleases me.
Studying the wood beams in the ceiling made me so curious about the history of the building. The Hotel Valadier is not a terribly old business, so what was in this building before? Who slept or worked here 1 or 2 centuries ago? Was there art on the walls?  If there had been a couch, I'm sure it didn't look like this one. But I was happy to have it (and the closet nook) for organizing our stuff. We'd been traveling for 16 days, so we made good use. Via Del Corso I was thrilled having a view of Via del Corso. Not just a window, but a balcony! I could step out and look at Piazza Del Poppolo, to the right.
Again, our balcony was just above the impressive door. Our room may not have been close to the lobby, but it was very convenient being able to come and go, with our secret door. Balcony View Via del Corso is an entertaining street, with mostly pedestrian traffic. We could peek out and watch activity below...
...or we could watch activity across. This guy could shave, smoke and read his phone, at the same time! I loved the sounds in the day. Voices echoing, horses clip clopping, Children on Halloween evening, trick-or-treating at the shops below. And quiet, in the morning. Off to explore... When not exploring Rome, I had fun exploring the hotel. The Ladies Room was quite amazing.
I spotted the pink flowers and The Three Graces, first. Then I noticed a glass door just beyond. Frosty dancers on the glass! It seemed odd to have a clear-ish door to a restroom. I stepped inside.
The ultimate Powder Room, with lounge space. The gold-framed mirrors along with a mirrored ceiling, had me turning in circles like a happily confused kid, playing in front of dressing room mirrors.  Such an impressive room! Luckily no ladies, so I could snap photos. Piano and Sleeping Jag Next I wandered into the Pianobar Valadier. Or so the sign told me.
There was a red and black grand piano. The spotted jaguar that lounged on top, seemed to match the drawing on the sign. I couldn't decide if he looked funny or creepy. It was the end of October and the hotel was playing up Halloween. There were lots of cobwebs and spiders along with modern art.  We never saw any music in the piano bar, but Don and I made use of the quiet space few times.  The Halloween decor disappeared on November 1, so I was able to get some less cluttered photos.  This little sitting area intrigued me. I nicknamed it the Stairway Corner. The red stairs shown in the artwork, were obvious. The black stairs in the corner were less so. How odd to see the artsy-black stairway, from the underside. They led to the hotel's Valentyne Lounge. Getting Lost Some More I left Don in the room resting an ailing foot on ice, while I got lost looking for the restaurants on upper floors. Lots of steps and backtracking. Just as well he stayed back to rest.  After passing so many traditional marble statues, I began to spot some curious figures. The hotel's finer dining areas seemed to play up a bolder, more modern look. I tried to peek inside the Moon Asian Bar, but it was closed. Hi-res Terrace Lounge On the rooftop, I found Hi-res, the trendy restaurant and bar, with panoramic views of Rome.
During the morning hours it served complimentary breakfast! 3 Breakfasts The spread of food was quite decent and the views were equally satisfying. People watching was pretty entertaining as well. I chatted with a Russian woman in a fur coat one morning. A blond woman from Romania, (who'd been very tipsy the night before) giggled with me about how her husband broke a doorknob. Night Life We visited Valentyne's Club a couple times during our stay.  I noticed it early on, when exploring the lobby.
We found the outside entrance on the first evening, when hotel manager DuDu was chatting with us outside. (DuDu btw, was hands down the best of the hotel's outstanding staff.) He was an enthused greeter outside in the evenings and he also was a very gracious guide when he escorted us up the red stairs to Valentyne's. "If you like jazz, you will love the club!" he insisted.
Our best conversation with DuDu was one evening while waiting for an Uber. He warned us they were going to close the street soon, because an important person was coming to dine. (a European President, we learned) We had to congratulate DuDu for his patience as we watched him handle a rather tipsy lady who refused to move her car. She waved away help and fumbled to pull about 8 Louis Vuitton bags from her trunk... none of which had been closed. Her wardrobe was scattered on the cobblestone. Even the police could not hide their amusement. Drinks & Jazz Don and I were the oldest guests at Valentyne's, both evenings.
The atmosphere was swanky and the drinks were fun... I had a glass straw!  I also enjoyed the assortment of salty treats that came with our drinks. Brillo Besides the rooftop restaurants, we had one other dining option. The entrance to Brillo was just beside the hotels main entrance.
Cafe tables were set up outside from breakfast on. Inside Dining Most preferred to dine out, but we were happy for an inside table on Halloween night. The restaurant was quiet, but welcoming at 10 pm.
The prices were surprisingly reasonable, for being in such popular location.
The Margherita pizza was excellent! And our server efficient and fun. Especially when Don dropped his wallet and our waiter playfully thanked him for the gift! "Granite & Gelati" We stepped outside after our pizza and pondered about one more food option at our hotel. The glowing window with colorful gelato looked inviting.
We decided to wait for the next day. Our last day in Rome, I finally got close checking off one more thing I had hoped to do in Rome. I reached for my cone, topped with a cookie wafer and Don and I walked to some stairs.
I had hoped to enjoy a cone while sitting on the Spanish Steps, just like Audrey Hepburn, in Roman Holiday. Those steps were a step too far, for my drippy gelato. Instead I sat on the steps of Santa Maria del Popolo. This beautiful little church just steps from our hotel, offered the perfect spot for people watching! Perfect! What's Notable? Our 3 nights were perfecto. The location was ideal. We could walk to Borghese Gardens, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and even the Vatican. But the nearby streets were charming, with appealing shops and cafes. No need to go far.  Besides location, the hotel felt like a classy ship, that contained all the food, drink and music we needed. Standing on our little balcony also felt like ship. I was entertained by the ever-changing scenery, just like the view from a cruise. I loved the crazy mysterious maze feel of the hotel, once I got used to it. And I loved our isolated room where we never heard another neighbor. I'm sure other parts of the hotel were more luxurious or upgraded, but for our price the room and hotel was a steal.
I would gladly stay again. A Palace! For our first visit to Portugal, Don and I booked 3 nights at this lovely palace!  Well... a palace-like hotel, in a very grand building. Can you spy a crown and 2 griffons?  The 6-story building, renowned for its Belle Époque, Louis XV, and XVI style, was always a hotel. My photo shows what must have once been the main entrance. From 1893 Way over a century ago, architect José Luís Monteiro was commissioned to design this hotel... worthy of the finest European aristocracy.  His hotel opened as The Grande Hotel Internacional in 1893. (name changed later)  It was built to have access to the grand Rossio Train Station, which he designed a few years before. Rossio Train Station This gorgeous station was right next door to our hotel. Supposedly there is a secret door on an upper floor, that takes you into the depot.  If only we'd arrived by train, like the elite travelers 100 years ago, we could have stepped through the horseshoe shaped arches and walked just a few steps to the hotel's entrance. Uber Arrival But we arrived by Uber and our driver was confused. After he dropped us at the wrong end, (where the pretty columns and griffons were) we rolled our bags past 11 shop windows to find the somewhat hidden entrance.
The entrance was tucked back into a cozy little parking court, between the hotel and train station. All was quiet and calm when we arrived. It was a complicated and comical puzzle of vehicles, at busier times! Classic Style We were greeted by two gracious doormen, before stepping into a lovely parlor.  The checkerboard floor, red velvet and crystal fixtures made me happy. I love when historic hotels don't go all modern on me. I loved the elegant, formal style. Grand Parlor The lobby desks were to the left of the entrance, but I was drawn straight ahead, to the Grand Parlor with its bright ceiling.   The classic decor made it easy to imagine interesting guests over the past 100 years. In 1937, Emperor Hirohito of Japan spent his honeymoon at The Palace.  During the Spanish civil war, the hotel was filled with refugees... the wealthy kind. The splendid rooms became a meeting ground for international spies, during the Second World War. Celebrities? I didn't see any famous folk when I peeked in during tea time. But I read about a few. I can picture ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev staying (and maybe dancing!) here. It's harder to picture the Beatles as guests, but I read that they were.  Pretty sure Martin Sheen stayed here in the '80s, because you can see him in scenes from "State of Emergency"... shot inside the hotel. One famous guest came to a tragic end after visiting Avenida Palace. Portugal's President Sidonio Pais was assassinated at the railroad station next door, in 1918. Happier Things After checking in with gracious and welcoming staff, Don and I took an elevator to our room where our bags had already been delivered.  The elevator was just fine, but oh how I loved the swirling stairs! We've been known to book a hotel, just because they have a dramatic stairway. (Hotel Bristol Palace in Genoa!) I had to pose with this one in Lisbon.
I also posed with my sister-in-law Karen, after she and my brother joined us on our second day. Dizzy! I told Karen to look up at the incredible staircase that connected the 6 floors.
Karen laughed that she needed to sit down, because it made her dizzy. I laughed... but I had to agree! Vertigo! I did climb the stairs a few times, to enjoy the view below.
There were some rewards along the climb...  Wonderful sitting areas awaited on each floor. 
There were comfy chairs and antiques to admire.  This display showed items that were once used in the hotel. Room 424 The hotel offered over 80 rooms, ranging from around $300. to over $1,000 for the Presidential Suite.
Don and I were thrilled to take one of the "affordable" rooms. Always happy if the bed is comfy and there are 2 chairs we can use! Booking a cheaper room meant we did not get a spectacular view.
But our window allowed us to admire the architectural details. And our room was pleasantly quiet, without street noise. Comfy and Calm Again, I loved the classic decor. The bed was soft and the colors were soft.  The striped wallpaper and fabric was appealing. The antique print above the bed, was somewhat oddly sized and placed. But I liked it.
Another calm focus was the ceiling above the bed. I liked resting and looking up at that fixture, glowing like a star. The desk area was a bit busy, with TV and a coffee maker. You can see the stripped wall reflected (along with Don!) in the mirror. More stripes on the lamp shades and chair cushion. I like stripes.
The mirrored wardrobe was handy, as well as attractive. It held a lot. There was nothing overly special about the bathroom, but I always appreciate a tub!
And the Molton Brown products were very nice and there was a wee bit of counter space. Some old hotels have none! Special Treats! I was pretty delighted to find a box holding 2 special pastries.
The note beside the box told us that our "Pasteis de Nata" pastries, were a Lisbon symbol. The egg custard tarts were a treat in the afternoon.  Each evening, there were chocolates beside the pillows... pillowcases with the wonderful hotel logo! Crown and Griffons We got to admire the hotel's logo many places throughout the hotel.  I found this golden version on some glass, on the second floor. Exploring We explored the second floor each morning before breakfast.
The elegant hallway made me wish I'd dressed in a long gown for breakfast. The first morning, Don and I discovered "The Nobel Room" on the way to breakfast.  We tiptoed around the yellow room, using hushed voices. But I believe the room was meant to be enjoyed. There were no guards shooing us out.
By the second day we made ourselves at home. At least for a photo.
I made sure to encourage Karen and Chris do a little posing, in front of the parted drapes. After all, they were the ones who guided us to this hotel, when we planned our 18 day trip. Royal Breakfast! Each morning we turned down another fine hall, to reach the entrance of the dining room. I wondered about that hidden door I'd read about. Was it near?
All 3 mornings, we were greeted by smiling staff and invited to choose a table. We always chose a table with a window, so we could enjoy the view we didn't have in our room.
Avenida da Liberdade was fairly quiet (and dark) at 7:30 am.  The avenue was much livelier at 10 am. Relaxed Formal Once seated, I didn't have to look far to spot the griffon/crown logo. It was on the table cloth and the chair backs and on very piece of china.
And nothing made me happier than this sweet face each morning.  A cappuccino smile! The breakfast options changed a bit each day, but there was always a huge selection of fruits and many choices for breads and sweets.
One serving table offered juices and smoothies and champagne. We never rushed breakfast, but I steered away from champagne. Caffeine was more helpful to move into each busy day.
I did NOT steer away from donuts and rolls and croissants and toasts! Bar/Lounge We made sure to check out the hotel bar, on our last night.  Don, Chris and I had the whole lounge area to ourselves at 9 pm. As hotel guests we were given complimentary glasses of Port. When in Portugal... drink the sweet wine that's made in northern Portugal!
I enjoyed a few sips and olive nibbles, before excusing myself to the Ladies Room. Ladies Room Adventure When I dined as a kid I loved taking nosy trips to the Ladies Room, I would return to the table with amusing details for my family. (a grumpy granny here and some velvet wallpaper there...) After visiting the powder room near the hotel bar, I had lots to report to Chris and Don
Finding the correct door was an adventure. No signs. Just 2 doors, each with a nearby framed print to examine for clues. I found that amusingly subtle. Powder Room for a Queen I stepped inside and knew I'd chosen correctly! The glamorous powder room had fresh flowers, cloth towels, gold trim and rosebud wallpaper.  A close look at my photo, shows some fun with infinity! The mirror near the sinks captures the mirrored wall behind me... and 5 more sink mirror reflections! An open mirrored door, reveals a toilet... and something else! Behind me, I opened the mirrored door with the glass knob and felt welcomed into a splendid little room with a toilet...
... and an alcove displaying a golden statue AND a bidet! Now why would we need a bidet in here? I laughed to myself and rushed back to the port-drinking gentlemen, to share my report. Chris was amused enough to go on his own restroom adventure. I thought he was going to report on the men's room, but he walked right into the room with the rosebuds. He agreed it was "mighty grand!" As our Grandma Daw would have said. My 10-year-old self was very amused by all of this! Location Besides amazing breakfasts and bathrooms, our hotel had a fantastic location. Baixa is the historic heart of Lisbon and our hotel was planted in a nicely flat and walkable portion. Restauradores Square (with obelisk and Lisboa sign) was just steps away.
There were hills and picturesque winding streets just above our hotel. (Ubering was an option) Across from the yellow sign, we spotted the 140-year-old tracks to Gloria Funicular. Sadly, a month before our trip the popular cable railway was closed due to a tragic accident, that killed 16. In October, the weather was lovely and the walkable areas felt lively and safe. The photos above show sights and scenes that were all within easy walking distance. No hills! What's Notable? Our stay at Hotel Avenida Palace was absolutely what I hoped for. It felt ritzy, without being intimidating. It let us pretend we were in a different time, while providing modern comforts. The staff was gracious and professional, but never stuffy.  We stayed in a classy, yet comfy historic hotel. The location and the helpful staff made it a great choice for first time visitors. Of course I'd be more than happy to stay again! I already have a list of all the things we would do next time!
Unplanned Stay in Flagstaff, AZ Don and I hadn't planned on staying at the Americana Motor Hotel.  But that's where we ended up, on June 4, 2025. North Rim's Grand Canyon Lodge We had expected to be at the Grand Canyon. We had cabin reservations for 2 nights at the North Rim. When we arrived we were told all reservations were cancelled, due to a power outage. (click to enlarge) That was frustrating, but at least we got to spend some time enjoying the views, before hitting the road. It was sad driving away not knowing when we'd luck into reservations again. (hard to come by) We felt even sadder, 38 days later when we learned about the devastating fires that destroyed the lodge and other structures. On Route 66 Lucky for us, our internet search came up with this mighty fine motel, on Route 66! Flagstaff wasn't close, but it was the direction we were headed.
We knew a Motor Hotel wouldn't offer the same epic overnight, as a stay in an iconic National Park Lodge. But, it could be homey and easy and we needed that. We were both a little worn out and I had a sinus infection brewing. Americana from 1962 It took us over 6 hours to reach the old Americana. Don and I are drawn to anything kitschy, so we were eager to check out our retro motel from 1962. But we've learned from our travels, not to expect too much luxury, with lodging on old Route 66.  We (weary travelers) hoped our 63-year-old motel wouldn't end up being too far out of the comfort zone. Far Out! I grew up in the 60s, when "Far out!" was a good thing. The recently spiffed up Americana Motor Hotel was indeed far out! We knew right away when we spotted the astronaut gazing out towards Route 66.
The colorful sign and lobby building looked fun and welcoming, after its $20 million renovation! Surroundings We pulled off Route 66, parked and headed for the office. I paused under the porte cohere to take it all in. Sweet whirly-gigs spinning nearby and mountains in the distance... the old Mother Road, in the opposite direction.
A glance at the window told me it was the 100th anniversary of Route 66! But wait, that's actually next year. 1926 was the birth year of the historic highway. The Americana was ahead of the game and ready to celebrate! Modern Colorful Lobby The lobby welcomed us with a step back in time, to the '60S & '70S! Modern furniture, bold colors, geometric floor designs! Best of all, there were colors shining down from the ceiling!  This mod look was more like The Jetsons cartoon that I adored as a kid. The roadside motels my family stayed at in the 1960s, never looked this cool. Inspired by the Flagstaff Location To the right of the lobby was another long area, with bright blue seating and a wall decorated with hike/ski poles. A reminder that there's plenty of outdoor activity, around this mountain town.  The TV at the end of the room was showing some neon images of space. Along with the retro and adventure vibe, the hotel embraced a space theme, inspired by Flagstaff's deep ties to astronomy. Check In Staff members behind the desk were just as welcoming as the lobby colors, They offered us welcome beverages as we checked in. Don was happy for a beer after the long drive. My throbbing head was thrilled with a fancy water.  We were given the scoop about all the goodies that were offered with our $15.00 resort fee. The use of the telescope for one! Flagstaff is recognized by the International Dark-Sky Association as the world's first "International Dark-Sky City". Bikes & Games There was a lot more hang-out seating in the lobby, than the mid-century motels I recall. The lobby also had lots of goodies that guests were welcome to borrow. Like bikes.
And games. We could check them out and enjoy them in our rooms. The boxed Wordle game was a reminder that it was NOT 1962. I wish they'd had Cootie or Mouse Trap. Blue We got our room key and headed out. I glanced back at the simple structure, with all its red, orange, yellow and lots of blue.  But hardly a glimpse of blue in the sky. The sky past the whirly-gigs was clouding up.  I guessed we wouldn't be borrowing the telescope. Colorful Doors There are 89 rooms at the Americana.  About a third of those had yellow doors. These colors took me back to my childhood. I could almost smell my box of crayons, that sometimes melted in the car on road trips.  Bright colors meant fun, when I was a kid. Oh how I loved sitting in the back of the station wagon and spotting the orange roof of Howard Johnson's when we pulled in! Room 109 We were happy to have a red door on the lower level. Such a treat to back in and unload in front of the door.
I liked out magnetic Do Not Disturb sign, with the little astronaut! I should have asked if he/she had a name. Seventies? Our room took me from the '60s right into the mod seventies. The headboard supposedly was inspired by 1970s ski wear.  The swirly carpet was a fun contrast, to the angular shapes of the mirror, headboard and chair. Darn, there was only one of those cute orange chairs. We Are All Made of Stars The words above the bed reminded us again about Flagstaff's connection to lunar history.  I wish we'd had time to visit nearby Lowell Observatory. I didn't know that this whole area had once been training ground for astronauts. Particularly those who walked on the moon! Desk and Decor There was quite a bit going on around that faux-wood paneled wall, opposite the bed. The 43-inch TV looked nothing like the boxy motel TVs I remember watching, on childhood road trips.  The left side of the long desk had a cabinet holding a bright orange fridge. We never had fridges! Cool and Cool Instead of an ice bucket, our room had a Playmate cooler and retro plastic glasses. I didn't realize that cooler design, (sometimes called America's lunchbox) goes back to 1971!
The 1970s disco ball was very cool! It was a hoot watching the colorful show in the corner of the room. The rotating mirror ball didn't exactly remind me of retro motels, but it certainly fit the space theme. Spherical, rotation, reflection... sparkling stars... Art There were a couple of fun collage accents. Is that the Thelma & Louise car above the planets?  Is that photo of man and telescope, Clyde Tombaugh? He was the astronomer who discovered Pluto, at Lowell Observatory in 1930. No comments about the rest... Pops of Red I liked the bathroom design so much I took 5 photos. There was no phone by the toilet, but the framed image of a red princess phone could fool you.
I love a little Pop Art in the bathroom. The pops of red color in the walk in shower were fun, too!
No complaints about the spacious bathroom or products or towels. More Perks There was also a generous dressing space. Gotta love the orange pegboard holding the Americana robes.
And yay for cute mugs. We made use. The Grounds Weather was not ideal and neither was my health.  I wasn't able to make full use of the property, but just wandering was the best medicine.  The cute picnic tables with metal umbrellas looked sort of charming.  The fire pit and Adirondack chairs were inviting.  I did try out a hammock for a moment. Celebrities in the Pool? This old postcard shows the hotel pool, back in the '60s. The pool had a slide and there was a snazzy fountain.  I wonder if Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper hung out around the pool, when they stayed in 1968. That was during the filming of Easy Rider. Quiet Today The only celebrity I found in the pool, was Chester, the Cheeto Cheetah.  He looked mighty cute, floating over the letters on the floor of the pool.  He also looked lonely. There were plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas, if there had been a crowd.  Chester bobbed around while I took a few photos.  Then I was off to check out the games.  Bocce balls and beanbags for Corn Hole, were available in the lobby. Later, I saw a father and son pedal up on motel bikes. I was glad to see them making use of the games. Happy Hour Wherever kind of lodging we end up in, Don and I always find a good Happy Hour spot. We always have to offer a toast to whatever kind of adventure we have.  My happy hour drink was just a fruit juice, but it still worked for toasting. Baha Mar Seafood For dinner we could have enjoyed some Sinaloa-style Pacific Mexican tacos, or quesadillas.  Just steps from our room, there was an en-site cafe with walk up window. There was also an I-Hop, next door. Pizza at the Pit? We decided to just order pizza to our room. I almost had enough in me to enjoy it by this little fire pit.  But I we decided to just enjoy in our room, with the hypnotic disco ball and a little TV time. Night Wander I was ready to go to sleep by 8:00, when I suddenly realized I needed a photo of the motel at night. Motels, lodges... motor hotels. They always take on a different personality, after the sun goes down.  I knew I'd be mad in the morning if I didn't drag myself out to enjoy a quick glimpse of the The Americana AND the night sky. There were no stars in view, but the sky still looked dramatic.  I liked the soft glow of purple, green and yellow near the office. The lit up sign made me smile. The "i" was dotted with a 2-toned star.  "Host to the traveling world...". I guess Don and I are part of the Traveling World. Morning After a decent night's sleep, I put on a sweater and headed out to the same chair near the fire pit.  It was a pleasant morning and I was feeling a little better. I hated to leave. Posing Don was still in his lounging jammie-pants when we decided to wander over and take photos with the Astronaut Greeter.
We both were feeling rested and ready to hit the road for Santa Fe. What's Notable? Even with glum weather and gloomy health, our stay at Americana was sweet.  They've done a fantastic job creating a retro-futuristic oasis, right on Route 66. There's a happy feel to this place and it did us good!
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Ninety Notable
Nights My New Year's Resolution for 2014 was to start documenting some of the memorable overnights I've had in some very odd and curious motels and hotels. Like the adventures in my Dining Blog, I have learned to enjoy the surprises that happen when you step out of the comfort zone, far away from the well-known chains. I began with a few entries recalling my very first home away from home memories from my youth. Then, I started sharing about some of the quirky and unforgettable motels, hotels and inns that my husband and I have discovered in recent years. The best part about this challenge was making some lists with Don and getting on the road in search of new overnight adventures. I gave myself a 2-year goal to write up 90 stories and the goal was met. Now we just keep on adding! Archives
January 2026
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