Christmas At The Venetian
The Venetian is my favorite resort and hotel in Las Vegas. I absolutely love it, and have only stayed there once. Every time I go to Vegas, I want to stay there, but sadly price wise…I have to stay away. I wonder how packages from the UK are so affordable to other countries, including to the USA, yet we can’t seem to get any bargains like this from here? For instance, my sister just booked a trip to the USA where she stayed 4 days in New York, and 4 days in Las Vegas (during this summer). Her hotel in New York was the Marriott Marquis right in Times Square, and her accommodation in Las Vegas was the Venetian. Her price for the trip was £1,000 UK pounds per person (for a family of four), and this includes airfare and hotel cost. When I flew to the UK in 2014 (in the summer) it cost me $1,500 per person (for a family of four), and this did not include the cost of hotels. I am so jealous, ‘cos I want to stay at the Venetian for four days! However, since it’s my sister….I’m happy she is staying at one of the best places in Las Vegas.
Last time I wrote in May about Las Vegas, I told you I would include pictures of inside the Venetian, so here we go. Sorry, it has taken me such a long time to get around to it. I even fit one more trip to Las Vegas since Christmas – this summer – not the same time as my sister unfortunately, and I did not stay at the Venetian 😦 . Here are the pictures that include Christmas inside the Venetian, and some that were taken this summer. Oh, and the gelato – it’s absolutely delicious! Incase you are wondering, Christmas is a great time to be in Las Vegas, and especially at the Venetian.
Venetian Magic
Venetian Magic, Venetian splendor! Oh, how I love the Venetian grandeur. This hotel/resort in Las Vegas, Nevada, is my absolute favorite out of all of them there. I have stayed at the Venetian many years ago, and absolutely loved it! I wish I could always stay there when ever I visit Las Vegas. Even when I stay elsewhere, I make it a point to go visit the Venetian. If you can’t go to Venice, at least go to the Venetian – it’s a bit of the real thing. Here are some pictures:
The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV
The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV
The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV
The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV
My kids outside the Venetian, last Christmas
The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV
The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV
The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV
The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV
The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV
The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV
The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV
The Venetian, Las Vegas, NV
Isn’t this place pretty? Isn’t it magical? Wish I could have a permanent suite there! These were all pictures taken outside of the Venetian, next time I will show you some pictures taken inside.
Thanksgiving At The Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel in San Diego
Oh, I love to feel grand and what better place to have that feeling than at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel in San Diego, located in downtown San Diego, near Seaport Village. Guess where an incredible Thanksgiving took place? You might have guessed…..at this grand hotel! Yes, we had our Thanksgiving meal there in 2015. So thankful for this beautiful hotel, because not only was the food good, but the entire experience – like spending the afternoon there just lounging around in the bar area, and walking through the lobby, and generally just feeling grand! I’ve also stayed at this hotel several times, and it has beautiful views of Seaport Village and the bay. This hotel is beautiful! Here’s some pictures:
A few more pictures for you, again this is a beautiful hotel, and the artwork incredible! I could sit here for ages and stare at the paintings or stare at their decor – masterpiece!
Can’t believe it’s 2016 already! By the way, Happy New Year!
A Visit to Knotts Soak City And Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour
Today was August 15th – Happy India Independence Day! We left our hotel at the Hilton Garden Inn, and got to Knotts Soak City at around 11:00 am, not at 10am as we should have done, but it was close enough. It was a really hot day, a great day to be in a Water Park – at least for the kids.
Knotts Soak City is close to Disneyland, and right next to Knotts Berry Farm, which we will have to visit next time. Here are a few pictures of Knotts Soak City since we had to leave early, it was way too hot! In retrospect, we should have gone on Friday when we had arrived, and I shouldn’t have listened to the kids. We still would have had five hours almost. As it was, today, they wanted to leave at 2:45 pm, so we only had about three and a half hours there. It was really hot today, I think it actually was over 100 degrees, also, it was too crowded, That’s why it would have been better to have come on Friday.
Still, can’t complain, as the kids enjoyed it, and it was our family mini-vacation. We also got to go to Farrells Ice Cream Parlor later and celebrated my son Luca’s birthday again (you can never celebrate one’s birthday too many times). His actual birthday had been earlier in August.
Here are some pictures of Knotts Soak City:
Knotts Soak City in Buena Park
Knotts Soak City in Buena Park, CA
Knotts Soak City in Buena Park, CA
Knotts Soak City in Buena Park, CA
My kids got to cool off in the Lazy River while I watched their things for a while. It was ever so hot though.
Knotts Soak City in Buena Park
Just at the entrance/exit to Knotts Soak City was this lovely little area with these little fella’s in it, do you like this one’s hair style?
They tried a few more water rides, and then wanted to leave, and they were hungry, so off we went to Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour, which we had seen on the way into the Water Park – it is very close by, just on the same road in fact.
Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour in Buena Park
Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour in Buena Park
We ate lunch first, and then had to try the ice-cream – it was delicious!
Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour in Buena Park
Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour in Buena Park
Next, it was time to enjoy the rest of the evening at the Indian Independence Day Parade/Festival, which was close by in Artesia Park. My son and youngest one did not want to go to the event, they were tired so I left them at the hotel at the Doubletree by Hilton in Norwalk.
Doubletree Hotel by Hilton at Norwalk
Doubletree Hotel by Hilton at Norwalk
I wish my two youngest had come with us, as it’s a shame they missed out on the Indian Independence Day activities, but then later on I thought it was actually a good idea as me and my oldest daughter did not get back to the hotel until about 10:40 pm. It was good we stayed another night in the LA area, even though we only live one and a half hours away in San Diego. I would not have enjoyed driving at that time of night though. Also, as you can imagine – I was very tired – that was a lot of things today, a trip to Knotts Soak City, Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour, and the Indian Independence Day Festival in Artesia in the evening. I think I deserved a break – an extended stay in the LA area!
In my next post, I will post more of the Indian Independence Day event pictures and the video of the performances that took place on August 15, 2015. Happy Week!
The Delphin Imperial, Antalya, Turkey
The Delphin Imperial is too nice to put off any longer. I can only show you a few pictures of this resort in this post though. Of course, I have many more to share and will probably do quite a few posts on my trip to Antalya, Turkey which is where the Delphin Imperial is located. If you want an all-inclusive resort, and want to try something in this part of Europe, do give this resort a try.
Here’s a few pictures until next time, and all I can say is:
Ooh, the building!
The Delphin Imperial, Antalya
Ooh, the outside, and the pools!
Ooh, the lobby!
Ooh, the Turkish Delight!
Ooh, the rooms!
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Ooh, the desserts in the cafe!
The Delphin Imperial, Antalya
Ooh, the landscape!
The Delphin Imperial, Antalya
Did I tell you that this is a first class resort, that can cost you up to $4,600 for a family of four if you go in July or August, and sometimes even more. Of course, if you go during off-peak times, it might be less expensive. Well, until next time!
A Trip To The Savoy Hotel, London
Ahoy there, I went to the Savoy!
Well, what you may ask is so special about that? It is that I got through the doors of this establishment and was able to take pictures without having to pay hundreds, if not thousands of pounds a night for a room. I spent forty-five minutes or so, went in and took pictures and got out – and had quite a pleasant experience. This is after all, the hotel that is supposed to be London’s most famous hotel, and one where many celebrities have stayed. It is located on the Strand in the City of Westminster. Here are some pictures:
Savoy Hotel, London
The Savoy, London
This is the lobby area as shown in the two pictures below, then if you walk down a few stairs, you will see a beautiful gazebo, and a restaurant/bar/lounge area
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The Savoy Hotel, London
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The Savoy Hotel, London
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The Savoy Hotel, London
The Savoy Hotel, London
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The Savoy Hotel, London
The Savoy Hotel, London
Savoy Hotel, London
You might just want to get a little something sweet in their delightful little treat shop
The Savoy Hotel, London
Also, I have to mention, the bathrooms in the Savoy are quite an experience too. Best bathrooms in the world! There was even a cloakroom attendant outside the bathroom, and I should have had my camera with me just to take pictures of the entry area of the women’s bathroom. Oh, my gosh, there were framed pictures – it was like an art gallery. I think there was music too. Perhaps, it was good that I didn’t have my camera, and had left it upstairs with my family! I think people would have thought I was a little odd taking pictures there.
The Savoy Hotel, London
The Savoy Hotel, London
So, what do you prefer – the Savoy or the Ritz? It depends on your level of glitz. I have shown some pictures of the Ritz in an earlier post. As for me, I was quite happy with the London Trafalgar Hotel – it suited me just fine.
Sunsets At The Hotel Del
The sunsets at the Hotel Del, well…..they’re just swell! What more can I say. It’s just swell at the Hotel Del!
By the way, the Hotel Del in Coronado is just about a ten minute drive from downtown San Diego. Did you know that Coronado is an island that is accessible by crossing the beautiful Coronado Bay Bridge? Now you know that, you just have to make your way there.
The Hotel Del, Coronado
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The Hotel Del, Coronado
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The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
So, I told you it’s swell at the Hotel Del………and that’s just the sunsets!
It’s Swell At The Hotel Del!
Have I told you it’s swell at the Hotel Del?
Well, it’s so swell it makes me want to yell.
I have to go there again and again
You won’t know what it’s like until you’ve been.
Oh, the Hotel Del……it’s so swell.
My attempt at a little poem again. I hope you liked it. Well, what do you think I like about the Hotel Del? I like everything! What is there not to like? It’s kind of like my passion for London, I have to go back again and again. Well, I think I have the same dilemma with the Hotel Del. I am addicted. It’s just what the doctor would order, and when I go there I feel completely revived, reenergized and rejuvenated, not to mention relaxed.
Try it and you’ll surely like it. Well, first you need some pictures.
The Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
This weekend, there was the added bonus of a fantastic sandcastle – just look at it! What a piece of art – so many people were taking pictures of it.
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Del has everything. Do you know it overlooks the ocean, and also has beautiful swimming pools too?
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
The Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
There are so many restaurants and shops at The Del, and so many places to sit outside and people watch just as in the picture above. Did you know movies have been made here, and Presidents have stayed here as well as other celebrities. Why would they not? It’s swell at the Hotel Del.
A Little Bit of Paradise At The Hotel Del, Coronado
I love to go to the Hotel Del – that place is just what the doctor would order or should order for anyone to get away from it all! It makes me feel content and serene and as though I am on vacation. Yesterday, on November 30th, we finally got to go and visit this beautiful place again. My heart had been yearning for the Hotel Del. I was so excited to go and visit it again.
On the way to the Hotel Del, there are many picture taking opportunities:
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
near the Hotel Del, Coronado
Don’t park in the hotel grounds as you will have to pay for parking, and it isn’t cheap. There is plenty of free parking by the beach on the main streets. We had to park about a ten-minute walk away from the hotel, but it’s such a lovely place to take a walk. Just take in the surroundings all around and you won’t be disappointed.
near the Hotel Del, Coronado
near the Hotel Del, Coronado
near the Hotel Del, Coronado
near the Hotel Del, Coronado
near the Hotel Del, Coronado
People just love to gaze at the Hotel Del, well……it’s so swell!
near the Hotel Del, Coronado
Coronado near the Hotel Del
Finally, we got to the Hotel Del. The ice-skating rink is now open for the holidays and I could just stand here for hours taking in the happiness of everyone and the beauty all around.
I couldn’t decide if I wanted pictures with the hotel in the background
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
or without it
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del
Hotel Del Ice-Skating Rink, Coronado
Hotel Del Ice-Skating Rink, Coronado
You might want to start with taking a break, just to take in the surrounding beauty while you have an ice-cream from Moo-Time Creamery or grab a cup of coffee or a cold drink – this area shown in the picture below is a self-service area and it is ever so relaxing and a great place to sit.
Hotel Del, Coronado
Moo-Time Creamery, Hotel Del, Coronado
There’s plenty of shops and places to get treats
The Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
Then, you’ll want to go and see the lobby and the Christmas tree, and some more of the grounds of the hotel
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
This tree is located where the Sheerwater Restaurant is and close by to where the self-service coffee shop is located
If you go through the lobby and past the tree, then you can exit from the other side and wander out into the beautiful garden
Hotel Del, Coronado
This area shown below is a restaurant with out-door seating and a prime view of not just the ocean, but people-watching
Hotel Del, Coronado
We ended up staying for several hours, and got treated to a nice sunset.
Hotel Del, Coronado
Feel like some hot chocolate out by the ice-skating rink? Then you should try Coffee By The Sea
The ice-skating rink is now bathed in a beautiful sun-set
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
Then the sunset became even more spectacular, but how could it be other than spectacular in this beautiful of most beautiful places?
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
Last, but not least…..this place is just where you have to come to get into the holiday spirit! It looks like a holiday bonanza, and it is so festive and elegant here that I can’t describe it accurately enough.
Hotel Del, Coronado
Did I tell you that I loved the Hotel Del, did I tell you it is so so swell? It is beautiful and I highly recommend that you visit.
San Diego Sunset Picture (Of Coronado) Will Be In Get Away San Diego’s Next Issue
This is a first for me – to have my picture be selected in a contest – I am so excited! Granted, mine was not the best picture, but my picture made it as one of the top ten!
Coronado, San Diego
I entered a competition that Get Away San Diego posted on their Facebook page, just out of curiousity. My picture shown above of the sunset near the Hotel Del in Coronado is the reason I just had to write today! My photo will be published in the next edition of Get Away San Diego . I don’t think my picture is as good as the other nine that made it into the top ten, but all ten will be shown in the next issue. However, since this is the first time for me that I have won such a contest, I am ecstatic! If it’s good enough to be chosen, it’s good enough to be happy about.
If you want to see the other pictures in Get Away San Diego’s Album, you can take a look right here Get Away San Diego’s Photo Contest Winners.
My whole family loves the Hotel Del, and Coronado. Here is my little Chandi on the beach at Hotel Del.
Hotel Del – Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
So for anyone who wants to wine a bit, I have a picture for you – it’s also taken in Coronado.
Wine Styles, Coronado
And for all those who would love to see what’s so great about the Hotel Del, here’s some more pictures.
Hotel Del, Coronado
Marilyn Monroe shot one of her movies here “Some Like It Hot”, and this tree is famous partly because of that movie, and Marilyn Monroe.
Hotel Del, Coronado
People love to visit the Hotel Del, and many weddings and parties take place here.
Hotel Del, Coronado
The grounds of this hotel are absolutely stunning! Do you know you can spend an entire day here, and not be bored? There’s the beach, restaurants galore, tennis, a swimming pool and of course shops, and the hotel lobby to look at.
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del’s Lobby Chandelier, Coronado
Of course, my little Princess belongs here, that’s why I like to bring her time and time again!
Hotel Del, Coronado
Don’t forget that Coronado is just a 15 to 20 minute drive from downtown San Diego, or just a boat ride across – here are some useful tips on how to get around.
I may have said this before, but the Hotel Del is swell! I am so glad that one of my pictures is going to be published, and I’m glad that it was taken in beautiful Coronado.
On another note:
Lately, I have also been toying with another idea….to enter one of my videos into a competition or to make a new one – perhaps of San Diego. I decided to not enter the competition or attempt making a new video for it, because I can’t go away for 6 months and leave my kids, neither can I take them with me (two of them can’t take six months away from school, and it wouldn’t be fair to take just the youngest one) – so this kind of competition is not meant for me. Want to know which competition I am referring to? It’s this one: http://www.mydestination.com/bbb/competition#faq1 and if you want to know who has my full support in this particular competition, it’s Lesley Carter from Bucket List Publications: http://lesleycarter.wordpress.com/2013/02/23/if-you-could-make-someones-bucket-list-dreams-a-reality-would-you/
luchanik 