A brand new hotel and a new brand has opened in a new urban neighborhood.  Hotel Sorella CityCentre, the Valencia Group’s flagship, is located in Houston’s affluent Memorial area and less than five miles from the Westchase and the Energy Corridor business districts.  In the heart of a 37-acre mixed-usage development, Hotel Sorella sits amongst trendy loft apartments, upscale brownstones and Class A office space.  The open-air plazas and artfully designed green spaces enhance the pedestrian-friendly CityCentre.  

On a Thursday afternoon, we drove outside the Loop and easily spotted CityCenter at I-10 West and Beltway 8. The lobby is on the second floor and can be accessed by a bank of elevators or by walking up the floating staircase. Beside the front desk is the stunning Monalisa Bar that overlooks the outdoor courtyard with a rooftop infinity pool surrounded by draped cabanas. Many of the staff are multi-lingual and all of them were eager to describe the hotel’s amenities. 

The hip Hotel Sorella has 244 contemporary, European-inspired guest rooms including 30 suites and one Presidential Suite.  Everything is bigger in Texas and the rooms measure 400 square feet. The floor to ceiling windows look out on the plaza or Westside views and white linens on the beds and dark wood floors create a soothing environment. A work desk, 42” plasma television, coffee pot, 24-hour room service, and a walk-in shower provide all the creature comforts. 

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                 Mardi Gras is less than six weeks away and for many Northshore families, it is the perfect time to take a vacation. 

            Christine Beesley, owner of McGehee Travel Agency in Mandeville, says the four favorite trips for locals during Mardi Gras are: Disney, skiing, island destinations and cruises.  Always a kid-pleasing choice, more than 400,000 Louisianians visit Orlando every year. The middle of ski season is February and Beesley says, “You are almost guaranteed the snowfall will be good.”  The islands have perfect weather and no one has to worry about hurricanes.  Cruises, especially out of New Orleans, are convenient and an alternative to flying. 

            The toughest part of traveling during Carnival season is finding a flight.  Beesley advises people to plan early.  “The more time you have, the better the fare, the better the accommodations or the better the cabin.  If you wait until two days before Mardi Gras--you will have to drive,” she says.  No matter which...

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            Our love affair with historic hotels began on our honeymoon.  Many years ago, we spent four wonderful days walking through the French Quarter where we admired the architecture, listened to jazz, and dined in world-famous restaurants.  Each night, we returned to the Bienville House Hotel (504.708.4610, www.bienvillehouse.com) with its tropical courtyard, wrought iron balconies and Southern charm.   Over the years, our attraction to properties with character has never waned. 

            Recently, we enjoyed a night at the  Roosevelt New Orleans (504.648.1200, www.therooseveltneworleans.com) with its block long lobby decorated with gold columns, shimmering chandeliers, and a ten-foot tall antique clock that was featured at the 1867 and 1878 Paris exhibition.  The hotel underwent a $145 million dollar restoration and is the newest member of the Waldorf- Astoria Brand. The famous Blue Room began...

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 Pack your bags, grab a sweater and head to the beach. Whether you enjoy food and wine, nature, performing arts, or shopping, there is a ton to do and see this season at the shore.  “The fall is our best kept secret,” said Tracy Louthain, Director of Public Relations and Visitor Services at the Beaches of South Walton. 

It’s no secret that the sluggish economy is hurting the travel industry. The good news is you can take a vacation for less money. If you love bargain hunting, now is the time to comparison shop. 

 

Sites like BookingBuddy (www.bookingbuddy.com), Smarter Travel (www.smartertravel.com), and Travelzoo (www.travelzoo.com) are comprehensive and have up-to-the minute deals. Special offers abound on booking sites. Check Orbitz (www.orbitz.com), Expedia (www.expedia.com) and Travelocity (www.travelocity.com). 

 

Many sites will send you an e-mail about new offers and some allow you to select a specific destination. The hands down best travel search engine is Kayak (www.kayak.com). Sign up for hotel and...

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If your family includes a high school student—then it's not too early to plan a college road trip. Educational consultant Kim Simpson says the best time to start college visits is the summer after the sophomore year. “Rising juniors can begin identifying colleges they might want to attend. Rising seniors can use their summer to attend an academic program at a school that interests them.”

 

College experts recommend you visit a campus when classes are in session, but that is not always an option. Our first college tour was at the University of Pennsylvania during a summer vacation in Philadelphia. More than 40,000 prospective students tour this Ivy League campus every year.

 

Simpson who is the owner of Collegiate Admissions in Covington, says the Mardi Gras break is a great time for Louisiana residents to visit out-of-state schools. Colleges are in session and fewer prospective students are visiting at that time of year. Spring Break is a popular time to tour colleges, so schedule...

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Eight years ago, the O’Mahoney family of Mandeville bought a vacation home in Gulf Shores, Alabama. They visit at least once-a-month and more often in the summer. “It is a year-round retreat,” says Susie O’Mahoney, who is the mother of four children. Even in the winter, her kids bundle up in sweaters and fly kites on the beach.

 

“Gulf Shores is fun, casual and relaxed,” says Susie. Her favorite activity is sitting on the beach and spending the day reading. The family’s house is located in a secluded area, and  it “feels as if we have a private beach.”

 

The O’Mahoney children frequently invite their friends to Gulf Shores and so does their Mom. Susie hosted a girlfriend getaway for her pals from California. A favorite excursion is the spa at the Beach Club. After, the girls enjoyed a massage and manicures, they spent the afternoon lounging at the resorts outdoor swimming pool.

 

The O’Mahoneys enjoy exploring Gulf Shores and discovering new diversions. Susie frequently stops at the Alabama Visitor Center and picks up brochures that describe area attractions. She keeps the information in a binder to share with her guests.

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