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 World Class Resort At The Delphin Imperial, Antalya
When you are thinking of all-inclusive resort destinations – you may think of the Caribbean if you are from the USA, perhaps somewhere like Jamaica or the Bahamas, or perhaps even Aruba – but I bet you’ll never think of Turkey as a destination for vacation. Why are we all so different when it comes to our ideas of vacations (or holidays as we like to call our time off in the UK and other parts of Europe)? Turkey is such a popular place with the Brits, and with people from all around Europe, but I hardly saw one American there at the Delphin Imperial Resort, in Antalya, while there last summer. Is it because we don’t think Turkey is a place capable of providing world-class resorts and relaxation? Well, I have news for all of you in the USA – Turkey is a fabulous place to have your vacation at. Americans will have to catch on sometime soon, and I might as well be the one to provide you with the information.
When we first got to the Delphin Imperial Resort, we were awestruck at how majestic it looked – like a palace! Both inside and outside – it was fabulous to look at!
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
Upon entering, food and refreshments were already within arms reach of the entrance
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
That’s me above with some Turkish Delight, oh, how I loved it. Also, you will see a picture of a sign that shows all the A La Carte Restaurants available.
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The next morning, I took pictures looking out from my hotel window – this is Turkey! I’ve been before to Istanbul and Izmir while on a cruise, but have never been to Antalya before, and now I actually am staying overnight – in fact – seven nights! The Delphin Imperial is part of a large group of hotels, which include the Delphin Palace, and the Delphin Diva. They are all very close to one another, but I believe the Delphin Imperial might just be one of the best.
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
As you can see from the pictures above, the interior is akin to that of what you can imagine a palace to look like. I included some pictures of the main restaurant, which is where we ate breakfast, lunch and dinner most of the time. In fact, since it’s an all-inclusive, many times we had to skip lunch as we were so full from breakfast! You wouldn’t believe this place, there was a coffee shop that had chocolates and pastries that you could order as much as you wanted to at no extra cost. I can give you an example of some all-inclusives that aren’t all truly-inclusive like when you are on a cruise ship – such as their specialty shops or restaurants. However, at the Delphin Imperial – it was all included, except for things from the gift shop, or services such as the hairdressers or beauty salon. There were even smoothies, which is a big thing for kids – which kid doesn’t like smoothies?
There were also kebabs available by the pool at lunch-time that were so delicious,and pizza that you could have made to order. You could have an entire pizza made and carry it to your seat by the pool. Let’s just say, there was no shortage of food. As far as drinks, you could order alcohol, including cocktails or cappuccino as well as Turkish coffee for no extra price too.
If you want a glimpse at the pools, here are some pictures:
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
The Delphin Imperial Resort, Antalya
Well, that’s it from Antalya at the moment. I will share more pictures soon. Don’t forget, if you are thinking of all-inclusive, consider the Delphin Imperial in Antalya. It’s a world class resort.
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.
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/
Incredible Vancouver
Vancouver is so pretty, and if I wasn’t settled here in San Diego, or if my kids weren’t small – I would move to Vancouver – without hesitation. It is easy to get around in this city, in fact I got a train from the airport to my hotel at the Hyatt Regency in Vancouver without a problem and for only $8.75 (Canadian) one-way. This video will show you two different sightseeing buses that I took – Hop On Hop Off, which allow you to make the most of your trip, if you are staying for just a short while. Since I stayed for just one day and night on this trip, I had to make the most of my time in this city. This was my second visit to Vancouver, and it certainly won’t be my last.
Here are some of my pictures:
Steam Clock, Gastown – Vancouver
Gastown, Vancouver
Gastown, Vancouver
Hyatt Regency, Vancouver
View from Room 2003 – Hyatt Regency, Vancouver
Hyatt Regency, Vancouver
The Shops at Hyatt Regency, Vancouver
The lobby of the Hyatt Regency, Vancouver
The fries are delicous from this vendor – Bada Bing. I like my food very hot, and the fries were hot until the last one. I asked for vinegar to put on my fries, and hot sauce, and the vendor told me it was not necessary. I listened to him, and was so glad that I did. They put a special sauce on the fries and some onions too, and these fries did not need anything else at all, they were tasty just the way they were. These are a must-try!
Best gourmet fries – Bada Bing, Vancouver
Actually, it was a great thing that I took a picture of the menu board. My fries were the “Animal-Style” made with grilled cheese, and the Bada Bing secret sauce.
Bada Bing Menu
Gastown, Vancouver
View from the Big Bus – Hop On Hop Off – City Tour
Canada Place
Gastown
Robson St. – Vancouver
To view more of my pictures, here is another link that I posted last month Vancouver
I hope you will get a chance to visit Vancouver soon, and you will also see that it is incredible.
Beautiful San Diego
I have decided to start a page where I will add my favorite pictures of San Diego from time to time. It’s no secret that San Diego is one of the best places to live in the world – it’s a tropical paradise with palm trees, the ocean, Legoland, San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Balboa Park, Del Mar Racetrack and Fairgrounds, and so many beautiful places to visit. On this page you will find from time to time new additions (might be old pictures or new ones). Of course, my favorite place in the San Diego area is the Hotel Del in Coronado.
If you don’t live in the San Diego area, but would like to visit, please feel free to contact me and I would be happy to recommend or book a hotel for you, and to recommend local attractions as well as restaurants.
Cornonado, and the Hotel Del (a must see in San Diego). Marilyn Monroe shot one of her movies here, and many famous people have stayed here, as well as Presidents.
Hotel Del, Coronado – San Diego
Hotel Del, Coronado
Sunset at Hotel Del, Coronado
Hotel Del, Coronado
Ocean at Hotel Del, Coronado
The swimming pool at the Hotel Del
Swimming Pool at the Hotel Del, Coronado
It’s so tropical at the Hotel Del
Palm Trees Swaying At The Hotel Del
Some pictures taken at the San Diego Zoo on December 18, 2011.
Orangutan – San Diego Zoo
Koala – San Diego Zoo
These are my three kids at the Zoo last Christmas in 2011.
Cultural Arts Performance at Neurosciences Institute Auditorium, in La Jolla on December 9, 2011
Cultural Arts – San Diego
Hungry for pastries? Try Champagne Bakery in Del Mar – love their Napoleons, and Jesuite pastries.
Champagne Bakery, Del Mar Highlands Shopping Centre, San Diego
You don’t have to go to Las Vegas to find casino’s – we have plenty of them here in San Diego. Sycuan is only 35 minutes away.
Sycuan Casino, San Diego
Great place to visit for the day is the Flower Fields which is in Carlsbad, close to Legoland:
Flower Fields, Carlsbad – San Diego
Balboa Park, December, 2011
Spreckels Pavilion – the scene of the amazing Holiday Tree that opens up to display a nativity scene that is inside the tree. This tree is magical, and changes colors!
Spreckels Pavilion, Balboa Park, San Diego
We have the wonderful Race Track, which has a Grand Opening Day every year which draws thousands of people from all over the country. There is a hats contest, and a big celebration feel to the day. Opening Day this year is scheduled to be July 18, 2012.
Del Mar Racetrack, San Diego
Another one of my favorite hotels in San Diego is the Manchester Grand Hyatt. This overlooks the San Diego Bay, and is a stunning hotel
Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel, San Diego
Even though I live here now, I am still a tourist in San Diego – it is a very beautiful place.
Please note, these following links are the additions that I was referring to in the post, where you will see more of my pictures of San Diego: Incredible San Diego – La Jolla and Some Places You’ll Want To Escape To
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