Roam+Board :: The Met Vancouver

[trip style = luxury + urban]

{Editor's Note: Hovering somewhere between a boutique property and urban resort, the Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver's got it, but doesn't need to flaunt it. Recently I was invited to reacquaint myself with the property---an invitation I gladly accepted given I used to do a lot of business with the hotel in my former life. As in years passed, the facilities, food and guest services approach receive an A on my report card. Here's why:}

What When a hotel has amenities like a Jaguar car service, Frette bathrobes and Molton Brown bath products, you know it's going to be discerning. And it is. Locals call it The Met, visitors call it their contemporary, asian-inspired home away from home. Two black stone lions quarried in China usher you from street to lobby. Inside, something grabs you. A calm sets in. No wonder; the hotel was originally built with the help of a Feng Shui master and constructed in the shape of a fan {though sadly, this is not totally distinguishable from the street}.

Where In the nerve centre of Vancouver's downtown, across from Pacific Centre mall, one hundred steps from The Vancouver Art Gallery, two blocks from Robson Street and near public transit.

When Summer is Vancouver's peak season, but it's during the festive season the hotel gets all dolled up. Perfect as a place to rest your head and feet after a Christmas power shopping session, or refuel over bubbles and molecular cuisine at Diva, the hotel's signature restaurant.

Who/Why You are polished and well-rounded, and you expect the same standard from your hotel. You appreciate discreet service, excellent cuisine and a well-tended facility to sculpt your body.

Cost From $175/night; includes a Jaguar car service in the downtown area, wifi in both public areas and guest rooms, a squash court, pool {excellent for laps}, whirlpool and gym. Note that the following packages sweeten the deal: Long Weekends At The Met - Turn any weekend into a long weekend. Pay for a Fri/Sat night or a Sat/Sun night and get third night free! Rates start at $195/night for the two weekend nights. Out On The Town - In town for a holiday performance, concert, Canucks game or...? Just show your tickets when you check in to get a rate as low as $155/night with complimentary valet parking and late check-out.

More Roam+Board Custom Hotel – LAX Bitter End Yacht Club – BVI Sleep On The Water – London A Woodsy Hideaway – Big Sur, CA

[photos assembled by @tripstyler via The Metropolitan Hotel + Diva]

Roam+Board :: Custom Hotel

[trip style = sun + budget conscious]

Please note: Monday is Canadian holiday, so we're taking the day off to celebrate Thanksgiving. We're back to biz on Tuesday, Oct 11th. 

{I overnighted at this hotel last weekend after cruising from Vancouver to LA and before departing for Vancouver the next day. Members of the Trip Styler community often ask: what's a stylish hotel near Los Angeles International Airport? Ask and you shall receive; this installment Roam+Board answers that question!}

What Designed by the same architect as the LA's iconic Capitol Records building, The Custom Hotel is a recently refurbished, reasonably priced, mod hotel near LAX. In a sea of standard-issue airport hotels, I appreciate the Custom's Jet Age meets minimalist approach.

Where Los Angeles, CA: three minutes from LAX airport, 10 minutes from Venice Beach and 15 minutes from Santa Monica. Bonus: it's beside a Ralph's grocery store and 30 steps from a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf!

When LA is warm and sunny year-round. If you only have a day or two to explore the area and want to stay close to the airport, the Custom is a good launch point. Mid-week prices are 20-40% cheaper than weekend rates.

Who/Why For design-conscious folk who appreciate lemon water in the lobby; a pool with cabanas, cushy couches, cloth chairs and outdoor fire pits; a 60s-inspired open-air restaurant and basic rooms.

Cost Prices start around $97/night and include wifi, an airport shuttle, cardio and weight room.

More Roam+Board Bitter End Yacht Club - BVI Sleep On The Water - London A Woodsy Hideaway - Big Sur, CA

[images via The Custom Hotel & @tripstyler]

Roam+Board :: Bitter End Yacht Club

[trip style = luxury + sun + active & adventure]

{I've come across this far-flung, understated luxe property a few times over the past year, and when a friend asked about Trip Styler's top romantic Caribbean picks (publishing next week), I suggested The Bitter End Yacht Club---partly for the barefoot elegance, partly for the GORGEOUS bedspreads.}

What Barefoot by day, boat shoes by night; Bitter End Yacht Club {BEYC} is a boater's dream. Maybe the wind-in-your-hair, zinc-on-your-nose lifestyle's not your thing. Not to worry, hike in the tropical canopy, relax in the Conde Nast Traveler World's Best-rated spa, heat up in the sun or cool down by the pool.

Where Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands {12 miles from Tortola, 30 miles from St. Thomas and 75 miles from Puerto Rico}.

When Winter is the resort's high season with the rates to show for it. Nightly prices are most reasonable October 17 to December 19 and in the spring. The resort goes on hiatus in August, September and early October.

Who/Why For luxury adventurists who want to sail a Hobie Cat into the sunset and don't mind the two to four flights, plus a 30-minute water taxi/ferry required to reach BEYC. Bring the kiddies, there's even nightly outdoor movies.

Cost Prices are based on double occupancy and start from $500 per night for a garden villa and include 3 meals per day. Book a 7-night package with a few extras for $3500.

More Roam+Board Sleep On The Water in London A Woodsy Hideaway In Big Sur, CA.}

[images via BEYC]

Roam+Board :: On The Water

[trip style = "boutique" cruising]

{I've seen this chic canal cruiser mentioned in a few design blogs and fashion magazines over the past few months, and with Monday's Getting On Board With Fall Travel ideas, I thought it would be the perfect launch pad for an early-fall, trip style = luxury stay in London!}

What There are mega ships, sailing catamarans and river cruises, but On The Water is as boutique as cruising comes. It's so boutique, this double-wide, custom-developed, whitewashed, highfalutin canal barge is a one-room operation. As in, while you stargaze on the deck at night drinking bubbly or awake to an artisan bakery's morning delivery, you are the only guests on this floating phenom.

Where London, England in the middle of Regent's Park, just a 20 minute walk from Oxford and Bond Street.

When Since you are surrounded by lush greenery, early fall promises a kaleidoscope of autumn colours and evenings warm enough to lounge about on the boat's deck!

Who/Why For people who like to zig when others zag, and do so in style. Kids and pets now allowed.

Cost Starts at £250 per night {$392 CDN} with a two-night minimum and covers all the amenities of a hotel, plus a lounge, galley kitchen, ensuite bathroom and television with DVDs. Wifi and morning continental breakfast delivery included, as is the secret path through Regent's Park to access it!

{Check out last week's inaugural Roam+Board woodsy hideaway in Big Sur, California.}

[images via On The Water]

Roam+Board :: Glen Oaks Big Sur

[trip style = active & adventure + weekend getaway]

{Editor's Note: Last week we introduced Trip Styler's new look and told you about a new feature we'd be starting this Friday called Roam+Board! R+B will publish almost every Friday, as Fashion Friday continues to hit the runway once a month. Showcasing hotels, resorts, vacations rentals and glamping in oft and less visited destinations, with cool features and a focus on design, R+B will cycle through a variety of trip styles from the approachable to the aspirational. Enjoy.}

What Picture Glen Oaks Big Sur as your woodsy weekend hideaway or road trip retreat. This series of forest cabins with green sensibilities and thoughtful design, warms guests with fireplaces, Pendleton Woolen Mills blankets and feather duvets.

Where 150 miles from San Francisco and 300 miles from LA off Hwy 1 {Note: no ocean views}.

When Because the outdoorsy cabins are set in a redwood forest, retreating to Glen Oaks any time of year is a cozy escape. Spring and summer will be warmer.

Who/Why For those who want to read a book by the fire, enjoy the quietness of the forest and do a little hiking on the side.

Cost The smallest cabins start around $200/night {Includes wifi, but no TV, so leave the remote control - and Fido - at home}.

[images via Glen Oaks Big Sur]