DoubleTree by Hilton

A few weeks ago, my boyfriend and I had the pleasure to stay at the DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Center City.  The hotel recently completed a two-year long $13M renovation program.  When I arrived to the DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Center City, the first thing that came to mind was hospitality.  Everyone was so accommodating, friendly, and willing to assist at any time.  Once we were given our hotel key and two signature chocolate chip cookies, we headed up to the top floor of the hotel.  I kept talking to my boyfriend about the wallpaper and décor in the hallways.  The gray patterned wallpaper design and the rock stone wall when we got out of the elevator definitely caught my eye.  

Our room was breathtaking.  We had a gorgeous view of Broad Street! I was actually scared to look out the window because of how high up we were.  The bed was king sized, the bathroom was stocked with Crabtree and Evelyn bath products, and we had a gorgeous view of the Philadelphia skyline from our bed—to say the least, I felt like a princess.  

After getting settled in, we headed down to dinner at the Balcony Restaurant, www.balconyonbroad.com , the newest dining venue at the hotel.  Balcony is located on the mezzanine level of the hotel and offers a new comfort food, family-friendly menu created by Executive Chef Neal Drinkwine.  We were seated right near the new fiber optic chandelier, which changed colors at night.  Shortly after we were seated, we were presented with a bread basket like no other.  There was a variety of bread options, from rolls to crispy flatbreads.  For drinks, I chose a red wine, and Bry chose an alcoholic iced tea.  For dinner, I ordered the salmon with capers, and Bry had the filet with mashed potatoes.  He couldn’t stop talking about how delicious they were!  Everything was so flavorful.  It was the second time I had ever had capers, and I can now say I am a huge fan!  We couldn’t leave without dessert of course, so we chose the DoubleTree Stack, which included ice cream and 3 of their signature chocolate chip cookies.  Let’s just say that there was nothing left on the plate when we left the restaurant!

During our dessert we were visited by the Director of Outlets Stan Klos, and sous chef,  Jeremiah Hoy.  Both were so nice and interested in how our stay was going so far.  Yet again, everything about the DoubleTree by Hilton was accommodating.  If I could describe the hotel with one word, it would be accommodating.  

Thank you again to the wonderful people at the DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Center City for a great night stay.

This morning.

[Image from Google]

No, I didn't go to Paris this morning.  But that would have been sweet, right?

Woke up early & got to cuddle with Bry before he left for work.

Attempted to get out of bed and go to Starbucks, but it didn't happen. No surprise there.

Edited some photos for a few posts this week.

Made myself some eggs and toast for breakfast.

Worked from home.

Yep. A lot of nothing exciting this morning. Taking a lunch break now.  Bry is coming home for lunch.

Then it's back to looking for Press Releases, and information to post for work.

Hope you all are having a splendid Monday morning!

Radisson Plaza- Warwick Hotel

During the month of May, I was able to spend some time at some hotels in various parts of Center City Philadelphia. For this first post, I will be reviewing my stay at the Radisson Plaza- Warwick Hotel in the Rittenhouse Square District.  Here is some information about the hotel:

220 South 17th Street
Reservations: 1-800-395-7046 

Hotel check-in: 3 p.m.; Hotel check-out: noon

I was pleasantly surprised that when I checked in, the wonderful staff at the Radisson Plaza- Warwick Hotel had upgraded my room to the business floor.  In order to get to my floor, I had to slide my card in the elevator to select our floor.  This was great, because I knew there wouldn't be kids running around all day and night.  When I entered the room, the manager at the Warwick had given me and my boyfriend a plate of cheese, fruit, and toast.  It was so good!  The cheese was so fresh.  We were so hungry when we arrived, so this plate was perfect.  

The room itself was a good size.  The bed was a king sized Sleep Number bed.  This is a bed that you can adjust both sides so you can make one side softer or firmer.  The bathroom was pretty big for hotel bathrooms.  We were provided with two bathrobes, which were so comfortable.  We also had a large flat screen tv, in room refrigerator, work station, sofa, & coffee table.  Being on the business floor, we had turn down service.  This means, someone comes in during dinner time and flips your covers over on your bed, and provides you with chocolates!  The chocolates were extremely yummy.  

We did some looking around in the hotel.  In the lobby, which was gorgeous, they have free fruit water.  I tried the strawberry mint flavor, and it was so good!  The entire lobby had a great ambiance.  The Prime Rib restaurant is on the lobby level, as well as Tavern 17.  

The night was great.  The hotel was quiet, and we were able to fall asleep very easily.  The next morning, we had breakfast at the Coffee Bar, which was in the hotel lobby.  We ordered bagel breakfast sandwiches.  The bagels were fresh and so big!  I could barely finish mine.  Everything there was really affordable, and great for eating on the go.  The Coffee Bar had everything from bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries.  During the night, the Coffee Bar is an alcoholic bar, and during the day, you can order from a variety of coffee options.  

PROS: 

Gorgeous decor throughout the entire hotel and room

Delicious breakfast options at the Coffee Bar

Amazing view from our hotel room of the Philadelphia skyline

Extremely soft and comfortable bathrobes
Great selection of bath products in the bathroom

CONS: 

The Sleep Number bed was a little difficult to figure out how to use.  It took some time to get the bed "just right". 

1. Essie Summer 2011 Collection "Braziliant"
2. J. Crew 5'' chino shorts
3. Pink peonies
4. Kate Spade "Cherry Valley Kyra" clutch
5. Mac Book Pro

Banana Republic Shoes

Top to bottom, left to right: Sally handcrafted jeweled wedge ($140) // Xiomara high heel ($98) // Almah embellished suede flat ($110) // Scotty essential flat ($69)

Yesterday I went over to the mall with Bry in order to find a pair of shorts. All of my shorts from last year stretched out in the wash, and look ridiculous on my body.  But of course, I ended up not getting shorts. I bought a pair of flats from Gap that I've been eying now for a few months, and a top to wear to work from the Limited. I tried on a pair of shorts from the Limited, but Bry talked me out of them. Granted, by the time I got home, I really wanted those shorts, so lucky for me they are going to hold them until this afternoon! After I pick them up, I'll take some photos and let you all know what everything looks like.

Also yesterday, while at the mall, I went into Banana Republic. I don't think I own anything from there actually, but I saw a woman trying on some of their heels, and I fell in love.  I guess I never really associated Banana Republic with cute shoes, but trust me they have them.  I was surfing around the Banana Republic website this morning and found those 4 cute shoes. They are my top 4 from the website.

What are some of your favorite places to buy shoes?

Short Survey

 

1. What song I’m currently listening to: Nada Surf "Blonde on Blonde"
2. My plans for this summer: Finish up my master's degree & visit some new places
3. Biggest turn ons: Nice smile and teeth, clean style, educated & can make me laugh
4. How my last kiss went down: Kiss to Bry on our garage steps, before he left for work
5. A description of someone I love: Tall, lovable, caring, loyal & blonde
6. The last time I cried and why: Talking to my cousin at my uncle's funeral
7. Something I’m excited about: Getting a full-time job
8. What I want to do when I leave school: Work in PR
9. My last text and who it was from: "Coming home for lunch" -Bry
10. The last thing I ate: Purple grapes
11. A description on someone I miss: Mom
12. Something that is currently irritating me: Lots of laundry to do

Sperry top-sider

I've been looking online lately for a new pair of shoes. I am thinking about ordering these original Sperry Authentic Original 2-Eye Boat Shoes. They are $75.00, but I am hoping maybe Macy's or Nordstrom has them, so I can get them discounted with a coupon. I've never purchased a pair of Sperrys, but I've been eyeing them for years now.

Do any of you have a pair? What are your comments?

Wanted Shoes

I was sent these shoes from Wanted Shoes, an online shoe company. They let me pick out any pair that I wanted, so of course I had to go for these wedges! Let me just tell you... they are so comfortable. You can purchase them for $69.99 by going here. I made a list of pros and cons about these shoes. You all know how much I love list-making.
Pros:
Not too high of a wedge
SUPER comfortable
Very versatile for any occasion

Cons:
The fabric lining seemed to start coming up after a few wears

All in all, I would definitely suggest purchasing a pair of shoes from Wanted Shoes. When purchasing these, I would recommend buying a half size larger than you would normally get.  Wanted Shoes is a great retailer for shoes!  Not only do they have a huge selection to pick from, but they are all affordable for any price point.

Apart Style

 

This gorgeous trench was sent to me courtesy of Apart Style. You can wear this trench on a rainy or windy summer day because the fabric is light enough for a cool day.  You can purchase the trench and find more information about it by going here.  I love how this trench fits me well. Being a petite girl, it's hard to find clothes that fit how they are supposed to fit.  This trench hits just above my knee, and looks great when I wear my business casual clothes for work.  Great for the office or a weekend with the girls!

$198.00

Apartstyle.com