Home Interior: California

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San Simeon: Morning, Billiard and theater rooms.

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87ufwLv702J60ttJQlyx510boRJpd8dZlLKsEvnntL2MP7qZ8RLxlnlFVa0q3pBkwKuQll3TqerQ_EcmqsScN0afuymY_yrzHZ0yDqbE_9ufvOWKJ48dBPtg6ofXjA5RuWDTQ8v9V65U/s1600/chandelier.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561305299135906178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87ufwLv702J60ttJQlyx510boRJpd8dZlLKsEvnntL2MP7qZ8RLxlnlFVa0q3pBkwKuQll3TqerQ_EcmqsScN0afuymY_yrzHZ0yDqbE_9ufvOWKJ48dBPtg6ofXjA5RuWDTQ8v9V65U/s400/chandelier.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Located behind the <a href="http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2011/01/san-simeon-refectory.html">Refectory</a> or Dining Room (#3 on the floorplan below)  are a series of 'smaller' rooms which house a variety of functions.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_tunsNc80Anf_WjIRlBpEIqSpMC3AiUkavV-2GQj8bOTzbTMKpYsQ9D-E_RczlI4Q_1l9b1LlfksOGdecS9x6zOdM7mbYPRnVUFEZo_V-xuCmCND48NTqjvxCCxh2DfPZVaHj03-eRM/s1600/San+Simeon+Floorplan.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561304842237707010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_tunsNc80Anf_WjIRlBpEIqSpMC3AiUkavV-2GQj8bOTzbTMKpYsQ9D-E_RczlI4Q_1l9b1LlfksOGdecS9x6zOdM7mbYPRnVUFEZo_V-xuCmCND48NTqjvxCCxh2DfPZVaHj03-eRM/s400/San+Simeon+Floorplan.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 392px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Directly attached to the refectory is the morning room. The heavy Spanish influenced style doesn't neccesarily strike me as typical of the light and airy space typical of a morning room but it is sun filled with large french doors out to the patio.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561304047546273298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnZqZrhce0Idhz4Yr6tW7Pab1KZ3haYcPnXhYQ4I62HMW_r6VJRpMs5q1CB6csZhLHaib-RWAwJ0FcG5kDSATX_l_oOz-kks1HSd4zXLGummj_c58yMV1Cr7QR01YG3VTs-E-csClfUs/s400/Morning+Room.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 302px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The reclaimed woodwork throughout this main section of the castle is extraordinary. I loved this zigzag pattern in a vestibule ceiling.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWrsHitjSWL1141AIOYq-FLsKm-6ibsd_zMAuZ_O9vfhtDn6S4By3sTDn6unYCFegC25aa3jZbE1OprH1I0rA4zAC6qq5J4i4CJYAPUckwxSLnuVcw9uj964KZi49vZcOQlV3TZkPSgo/s1600/wood+ceiling.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561304048162652338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWrsHitjSWL1141AIOYq-FLsKm-6ibsd_zMAuZ_O9vfhtDn6S4By3sTDn6unYCFegC25aa3jZbE1OprH1I0rA4zAC6qq5J4i4CJYAPUckwxSLnuVcw9uj964KZi49vZcOQlV3TZkPSgo/s400/wood+ceiling.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 297px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Below is the vestibule out to the patio.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcy7IzBjSDmneohNoGpdMLt_XJ2OFVyl_1Iwz8PyaDEndnPY4GTn9DV80sV9FNGMhDoKbFn02zg6M86XOr4izpplbOZp8gwH4o1Hif-ztXt4jTp2x5uzZ19WltfIfBDDqr7kfMBlraGM/s1600/vestibule.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561304048465549218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcy7IzBjSDmneohNoGpdMLt_XJ2OFVyl_1Iwz8PyaDEndnPY4GTn9DV80sV9FNGMhDoKbFn02zg6M86XOr4izpplbOZp8gwH4o1Hif-ztXt4jTp2x5uzZ19WltfIfBDDqr7kfMBlraGM/s400/vestibule.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The walls are square cut stone with these really interesting doorways: not sure if they were created for the site or were reclaimed. Are those the symbol of the Prince of Wales above the doorways -the 3 ostrich plumes? Our tour guide didn't know.  <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561303161054101314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jI5Np6QLWW1Mo214Hmd4Az5hDorFjOKrt8xLs7xb0KtiQQuQ0S6a8iHBKMl03gIUwrt_dt0u0nD-I1dW01M7_99WSlyyhZvZ5WeR8BszIYlQs6UvWeaBeiRDVn8Mdu0iZ4F1Un1Nq60/s400/gothic+doors.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Notice the radio on the sideboard: in this 'museum' like setting, people were living, having parties, curing hang-overs while drinking their morning coffee.<br /><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi873W_A83p-nD3TFskm8h_0Cv9Yybk1IRVi5CCF4PWIRsrw82QjOdBtbkNWjomk2Ry20rJBhR6UbmvxI41d2Ra3CE6zPTelesV4BlumX2qDBz_dl8yywDCMzK3nFTCTW9R9z6zyFlAH-o/s1600/pool+tables.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561303152748955826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi873W_A83p-nD3TFskm8h_0Cv9Yybk1IRVi5CCF4PWIRsrw82QjOdBtbkNWjomk2Ry20rJBhR6UbmvxI41d2Ra3CE6zPTelesV4BlumX2qDBz_dl8yywDCMzK3nFTCTW9R9z6zyFlAH-o/s400/pool+tables.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Behind the morning room lies the billiard room, no 'fancy' antique looking pool tables for Mr. Hearst, they're more appropriate to a pool hall!  I loved the polychrome ceiling in this room and those gilt chandeliers.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7187B1Kngx9GdOTWdje1kYg76v3owGcvPU3PG5fapJiAH-OvhgIqEiel8pyYYIGShc4X2tndjSrl43VdpGeV-x8G3TM0qcicV9FGDTl0DwAOIcUNFWxg9NHTbsMD5otu4-OmyTmcrJrw/s1600/private+theater.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561302728489999682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7187B1Kngx9GdOTWdje1kYg76v3owGcvPU3PG5fapJiAH-OvhgIqEiel8pyYYIGShc4X2tndjSrl43VdpGeV-x8G3TM0qcicV9FGDTl0DwAOIcUNFWxg9NHTbsMD5otu4-OmyTmcrJrw/s400/private+theater.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Last is the theater which could match any grand movie palace of the day, #7 on the floorplan above.  After dinner, Mr. Hearst would screen the newest movies from his movie studio, Cosmopolitan Productions, which frequently featured his long time mistress, Marion Davies.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6JzUDx75QBlqE6bv9O3tv-BIWKRotcfWe_u1vHbocjgMq7uM96tAOQH3WbZcvALJ61F1rFmrBvswbYKlZOST3CWXHxOt0V8GPSDwBJwkX1z6lDrTHzyhSQQVmV2wNcB17LXkMijpQ_o/s1600/gilded+brackets.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561302720724887890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6JzUDx75QBlqE6bv9O3tv-BIWKRotcfWe_u1vHbocjgMq7uM96tAOQH3WbZcvALJ61F1rFmrBvswbYKlZOST3CWXHxOt0V8GPSDwBJwkX1z6lDrTHzyhSQQVmV2wNcB17LXkMijpQ_o/s400/gilded+brackets.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> Marion Davies acted as hostess here at the 'ranch'.  She started out as one of the famous Ziegfeld Girls of 1916 before quickly becoming one of the first movie stars.  Her later career as a major film actress existed mainly because Hearst created his film studio to feature her movies. She appeared in 29 silent movies for the company as well as 17 'talkies'. It has been rumoured that her 'niece' was actually Hearst's and Marions daughter, but I haven't heard of that has been proved. While never married, she was clearly the love of his life. Davies suffered from alcoholism and died 10 years after Hearst's death of cancer.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

San Simeon: Morning, Billiard and theater rooms.

Located behind the Refectory or Dining Room (#3 on the floorplan below) are a series of 'smaller' rooms which house a variety of ...

6:05 AM

detail shot or welcome home

detail shot or welcome home

Whats the first thing you see when you get home? If you have this condo (office?) in Carmel, CA, it just may be Ganesha, an Indian god. Why...

8:47 PM

Cypress Inn, Carmel

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516930093578045298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRH4TtLpJittR-UxI50zJs4p6J-0CZ5Kjwv4jackLvPJluZI5L2Z7Y0lF49TB391M1_33wppJfJTflZ7OnF1ljTKQEvXr_va8ibppOq8H0kQSXzT5rXIZuplXUNoFrEMascCFobdhFze4/s400/Cypress+Inn+2.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 328px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />After leaving San Francisco, my next stop was Carmel where I spent the majority of my vacation. Yes, this is the week of hotels at ArchitectDesign!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitT96cfkxJlvHaQr4bwXrvRKJJF9UKIKpWKAyZoXGuETWR96irZd3dt1ubIqG5CvVGKD-iGCCtsTp3B2CYVnRYyRS8NzSsyBKo9sZBAsaXxA-lLklARDp_3PqGYrEcXL45rwsFH0K_1v4/s1600/cypress+inn.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516930106101579106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitT96cfkxJlvHaQr4bwXrvRKJJF9UKIKpWKAyZoXGuETWR96irZd3dt1ubIqG5CvVGKD-iGCCtsTp3B2CYVnRYyRS8NzSsyBKo9sZBAsaXxA-lLklARDp_3PqGYrEcXL45rwsFH0K_1v4/s400/cypress+inn.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 295px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>I stayed at the <a href="http://www.cypress-inn.com/">Cypress Inn</a>, one of the better known hotels in Carmel, partly owned by singer & actress Doris Day. <br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoB-7kexo7XMFKB86zmyxlTIdSSAlMazA_-4oRKFM3aompjOs7-8pbNY4svVW6yh0qWnprmpt52mOtJh9q3QkRD1zXtYuTVtsJB514dcm0AWlewbM_wIgjqPup7Fx4I-ZM4fG39nX7nI8/s1600/front+facade.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516930086110710146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoB-7kexo7XMFKB86zmyxlTIdSSAlMazA_-4oRKFM3aompjOs7-8pbNY4svVW6yh0qWnprmpt52mOtJh9q3QkRD1zXtYuTVtsJB514dcm0AWlewbM_wIgjqPup7Fx4I-ZM4fG39nX7nI8/s400/front+facade.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>The board-formed concrete building dates from 1929 but has had many lives, mostly as an assisted living residence, believe it or not! It was built as the <em>Hotel La Ribera</em> by Dr. Rudolf Kocher and Hugh Comstock, the most well known developer of Carmel.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGp-qjTah8GhUCSvMxlopdpCSxbtkMQOPujsmku6hR4I1FlKUZw8_6VJsaEl49r0GOPu_U0Fu-gWRTOkWkvnbEKuv-UHmTHPtuwNMf1PjGFtiwe5ngLZGW9MTzuvf98V3Oa2JgtA6Uwc/s1600/hotel.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516930071985612018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGp-qjTah8GhUCSvMxlopdpCSxbtkMQOPujsmku6hR4I1FlKUZw8_6VJsaEl49r0GOPu_U0Fu-gWRTOkWkvnbEKuv-UHmTHPtuwNMf1PjGFtiwe5ngLZGW9MTzuvf98V3Oa2JgtA6Uwc/s400/hotel.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>The Spanish / Mediterranean style architecture fits well in the moderate climate and besides the fairytale styled cottages by Comstock throughout the village, the style tends to dominate the area.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bK58hE1H3E5sNHDyFekpAfBBuuevtsSqxYMx2SSLWLTYrYsCH9kvb1RBEK2lQ2-4Cbt6sAH6JudvBd9c1B5jSI0_bz6ITeATeMk1LAqzP5jBFhiWhCFSOkfs_AIiaDs9EZVnKQJg8bI/s1600/hotel+uphill.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516930057161554594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4bK58hE1H3E5sNHDyFekpAfBBuuevtsSqxYMx2SSLWLTYrYsCH9kvb1RBEK2lQ2-4Cbt6sAH6JudvBd9c1B5jSI0_bz6ITeATeMk1LAqzP5jBFhiWhCFSOkfs_AIiaDs9EZVnKQJg8bI/s400/hotel+uphill.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Part of the development lies further up the hill and is not part of the hotel. Notice how it is taller up the hill to catch views of Carmel Bay.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8EqdLPro99TProh22o8mtCaMsEJrHWfJrdMTs4jP5tIFOt44YFqBSDYUBXx46yYWThp2NdmdtU-6GyMncYwglKv0HJQrQ60uTc7atLEOGY2-c_S5dLc1TDO5LTK4G6LJNCi9QC_6Gao/s1600/side+of+hotel.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516929209519324354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8EqdLPro99TProh22o8mtCaMsEJrHWfJrdMTs4jP5tIFOt44YFqBSDYUBXx46yYWThp2NdmdtU-6GyMncYwglKv0HJQrQ60uTc7atLEOGY2-c_S5dLc1TDO5LTK4G6LJNCi9QC_6Gao/s400/side+of+hotel.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 294px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>Around the side is a courtyard garden for guests, where visitors can take tea, breakfast or just relax. The hotel is known as being extremely pet friendly and nearly everyone you see has a dog or two with them. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516929195164950594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaop3ugUYeM0HrDJ3tGhaoh3G4dSZUbxnhsDZZpIfqhf-Gx1voWfhaL0MAnysrnUXvOxiVHCLoBRo4Box3soLHpaMC2Q8E1_3DXAspsR_O3EGL0RcL01_XSMm7k5a5GsiweFtdg0NOJ8/s400/California+Flag.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Because of this, it has become the hangout of many locals, who were so incredibly friendly that within an HOUR of arriving I had made a few friends I spent time with throughout the week: all at the bar of the Cypress Inn!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516929160482613378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmxG4bNf-wFfEhrNg35X4FlfbC5ZJujMXyREfExs29T93ZBUAkjqJX6J7cjkPcybHvXi4QTyTU52pjI7uh9ur6sKLlePibSDV69NyvHvjxbW1wRCdVC0uYg2Rr5l-wZxFH4b5dvRIqWOo/s400/courtyard+garden.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br /><div><div>More photos of the courtyard.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSGi9t5ZcAZgWIhstopZuXQJnZjkvIAMoU5HmHMByERgLXrqP6AlsdN1IHA63Evi5xH145xwoL3pWAamTRw9xJCryKE7T-SW_BD3tELPLWrYzjW_Vq5TOnU_9EjxDdcZGiG1XcMSzf_c/s1600/concrete+tower.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516929170164429010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSGi9t5ZcAZgWIhstopZuXQJnZjkvIAMoU5HmHMByERgLXrqP6AlsdN1IHA63Evi5xH145xwoL3pWAamTRw9xJCryKE7T-SW_BD3tELPLWrYzjW_Vq5TOnU_9EjxDdcZGiG1XcMSzf_c/s400/concrete+tower.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> In this detail shot, you can see the board formations in the concrete: a look the architect in me LOVES. Notice how thick these walls are, the hotel is really quiet inside.<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-X7HbjdKwpHuZy8Ox-C9I3Cn7VpSf9SzcKwE-9qrwnnX8diBHBHeL67jokaoIbNosu8tgGfm7z5KiEyvAm6GtPcy8btUnbJSfuVYvgLdtRiIGRx99mXrkRhGVwPVgqMbnmxVKGof-qA/s1600/don't+eat+the+daisies.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516929149917764418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-X7HbjdKwpHuZy8Ox-C9I3Cn7VpSf9SzcKwE-9qrwnnX8diBHBHeL67jokaoIbNosu8tgGfm7z5KiEyvAm6GtPcy8btUnbJSfuVYvgLdtRiIGRx99mXrkRhGVwPVgqMbnmxVKGof-qA/s400/don't+eat+the+daisies.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 306px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> As a nod to Doris Day, this small planting area had a sign referring to one of her movies 'please don't eat the daisies'! LOVED THIS!<br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowYUMPl8m_nHJYlWQe9pD27JK9DY4j5Do2Plk8_-j-ZyNyRL7y0RInop8P4TgodR7dqcLFFAtrI6MYRZfAOXx57a0fvkANHxnx0EW6rT6xzFG2tcxMSJ6CrzDbktnNnZ1xWrAk6OozkU/s1600/garden+seat.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516928531494355298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjowYUMPl8m_nHJYlWQe9pD27JK9DY4j5Do2Plk8_-j-ZyNyRL7y0RInop8P4TgodR7dqcLFFAtrI6MYRZfAOXx57a0fvkANHxnx0EW6rT6xzFG2tcxMSJ6CrzDbktnNnZ1xWrAk6OozkU/s400/garden+seat.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 312px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The lounge behind the lobby was constantly buzzing with locals and guests. Doris Day music is the continual soundtrack in this public area and posters from her movies line the walls.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXSYV70xG3Q2-PAAtr_clBKcMx6kmbkAirfSKNZsGlQdGmFOvaCif8r2N6wvaSzkj-_IlYAsmNAJ5NZQrBeTdSeKyTTaYyUz8vl6UzoZb23W5iXzn6HCnOCuBcp2CH4lvVoJLKO0P8zY/s1600/lounge.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516928520389917730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTXSYV70xG3Q2-PAAtr_clBKcMx6kmbkAirfSKNZsGlQdGmFOvaCif8r2N6wvaSzkj-_IlYAsmNAJ5NZQrBeTdSeKyTTaYyUz8vl6UzoZb23W5iXzn6HCnOCuBcp2CH4lvVoJLKO0P8zY/s400/lounge.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> For an old movie buff like me -this was heaven! The food and drinks were really great too.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnGA4NCdinLaomSMQlzJUknAKQUTQa-bii-2IBQkc9PO6x15O-aTFY-j8pIAa0RrJZUWSkfOObodzLGsxKJwhYE13m8sqGiiYrad_CuSzxQL2ImC-0JKw3oNGwVGABvnHyZiwsrTfYsc/s1600/terry's.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516928511137442642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnGA4NCdinLaomSMQlzJUknAKQUTQa-bii-2IBQkc9PO6x15O-aTFY-j8pIAa0RrJZUWSkfOObodzLGsxKJwhYE13m8sqGiiYrad_CuSzxQL2ImC-0JKw3oNGwVGABvnHyZiwsrTfYsc/s400/terry's.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The restaurant is known as Terry's, after Doris's son who was part owner in the hotel but unfortunately passed away years ago.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Dw72yvA7k3HG4psnV4UIUTMgF_Cnbbqgly6-KwPE86ISfquGv6uAotnhjW442HAUQkrY07LsuUeTuDARnPHuhOa1e8X1Fsg3sZ3nG1oeQwrL411sKY50qHsEmMbfj2YP9jrVP7Qfxl4/s1600/chandelier.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516928499899816098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Dw72yvA7k3HG4psnV4UIUTMgF_Cnbbqgly6-KwPE86ISfquGv6uAotnhjW442HAUQkrY07LsuUeTuDARnPHuhOa1e8X1Fsg3sZ3nG1oeQwrL411sKY50qHsEmMbfj2YP9jrVP7Qfxl4/s400/chandelier.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> I loved this chandelier in one of the hallways.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZG23aM_VtdAQ01e3KFLXrmjOPX2SeWfRHer0kLyG-P1W2Xx9JCE3Rmi9_AGIAyU74mGkpdmow32YIcgv9Xgv8ina4ScviGub5UKLnO-G_RB8Q7NuBUldfXYleecmyL9xcL-xisyTxdHU/s1600/hotel+room.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516928073122244562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZG23aM_VtdAQ01e3KFLXrmjOPX2SeWfRHer0kLyG-P1W2Xx9JCE3Rmi9_AGIAyU74mGkpdmow32YIcgv9Xgv8ina4ScviGub5UKLnO-G_RB8Q7NuBUldfXYleecmyL9xcL-xisyTxdHU/s400/hotel+room.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> My room was located in one of the newer parts of the hotel and it really was a home away from home. I loved the beamed ceilings.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIVjFiq1c-uYVT6i4S4-5YvAOtONdklXu-h8-d2nezsJI1P11NbhaOtp6o57ThGuO0AvJ6Alzb4M6U-FjxvyrlQ5Lo1p0A-gvxjbuRfFJS-YkXB3mLlGwuZSXuDVDYCWRYaS6nHVUxHM/s1600/jacuzzi.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516928052880853922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIVjFiq1c-uYVT6i4S4-5YvAOtONdklXu-h8-d2nezsJI1P11NbhaOtp6o57ThGuO0AvJ6Alzb4M6U-FjxvyrlQ5Lo1p0A-gvxjbuRfFJS-YkXB3mLlGwuZSXuDVDYCWRYaS6nHVUxHM/s400/jacuzzi.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 302px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The jacuzzi tub in the corner of the room didn't hurt either! In true California style, complimentary sherry and fruit in each room.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7h1B5Zh_V5haY9T02W6Y10n3Mcn-HfDq7BA9pAseiDGXZU509nN8d_muJe82Dv8HZGSI3aQhqHNkClm3RpdJL10Pqb9ia3hqQNtuYeFur3d-HAw0fnCqSS_1l_0Fm-eWsKvTS4EEfvc0/s1600/courtyard.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516928039773324290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7h1B5Zh_V5haY9T02W6Y10n3Mcn-HfDq7BA9pAseiDGXZU509nN8d_muJe82Dv8HZGSI3aQhqHNkClm3RpdJL10Pqb9ia3hqQNtuYeFur3d-HAw0fnCqSS_1l_0Fm-eWsKvTS4EEfvc0/s400/courtyard.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> The french doors in the room faced this quiet little courtyard.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYkAfugUyqvAjRzIDKfhwOm8q5AKUemuUG820iBFzHppUlHokBufxpEeEj3BWY0UG9cQjNBeDEJME0b9b474BG7FyVIYOnKdpT5NixMpQKmHAzpF6zTVtsQe9mrZPxsUlyMg6oYkt0ws/s1600/classic+mercedes.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516928018025146610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYkAfugUyqvAjRzIDKfhwOm8q5AKUemuUG820iBFzHppUlHokBufxpEeEj3BWY0UG9cQjNBeDEJME0b9b474BG7FyVIYOnKdpT5NixMpQKmHAzpF6zTVtsQe9mrZPxsUlyMg6oYkt0ws/s400/classic+mercedes.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 307px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> And I couldn't not include this fabulous vintage mercedes owned by the other owner of the hotel(or rumor had it).<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516928003540303298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1tmRpucwuwGBtjVcyAGQxYO4UTdO22y3G9B9FUxruIMF5r4tlMVamMFDSv47KkTWzj8E_GhsngGgMv_uCrDltfnNOBHYUOrCh5uc_ugK6oi4GH-DerkBdWknYbl57xd8hqlkXwk0IZX0/s400/classic+mercedes+2.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 306px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <div>Fabulous hotel, fabulous town and fabulous car! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Cypress Inn, Carmel

After leaving San Francisco, my next stop was Carmel where I spent the majority of my vacation. Yes, this is the week of hotels at Architect...

5:17 PM

Sir Francis Drake Hotel, San Francisco

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlXRs4xOJNfKBVsTXfqMevK_EjIzMbzWcRLmy3Rvmf-kvuT-SSDGQ07lBVvwID_LtiEJg7WISvKp5KiH0W2NGz85egb44rmuVqY_p9GOKXfR8EenjQ78aPSP-d-KdfFhpCznjswbnuws/s1600/Union+Square+Park.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516604471139527682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlXRs4xOJNfKBVsTXfqMevK_EjIzMbzWcRLmy3Rvmf-kvuT-SSDGQ07lBVvwID_LtiEJg7WISvKp5KiH0W2NGz85egb44rmuVqY_p9GOKXfR8EenjQ78aPSP-d-KdfFhpCznjswbnuws/s400/Union+Square+Park.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a> While in San Francisco, another hotel I stayed in was the legendary <a href="http://www.sirfrancisdrake.com/">Sir Francis Drake</a>, right off Union Square Park, seen above; a fantastic central location only blocks from the <a href="http://architectdesign.blogspot.com/2010/09/fairmont-san-francisco.html">Fairmont.</a> <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516604461490392530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0A-DMG3ACBxYOaeJy7lDiKA94BCj3rg2f2IjcHDo8ckPTV9EYto3doXqpgX5bxxiJA8YtZhi9gpgzQI_VYAaqZYSGH77_SFemGCco4mjF22LQKH-hpoEiwFZr4Dj9j14YR7xzqIFfjUE/s400/stair+carriage.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <div>Opened in 1928, the hotel saw its heyday up till WWII when it was used primarily by the military for army housing. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516604281612894306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMH00dIiRhhfOo_936BhuRQBAiI6emlVpPEfNFSgk058UHRgT9Jg_erEaIcCtpAThz9q_wCSUZtmGYph1k9hc_IJ-yn3jklWTKHFemx1se6_Qym8v-KYBstnftfzca5Hk3QYNIK-D9EQA/s400/grand+staircase.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />The Drake has always been known as a party venue for locals and tourists alike from it's Prohibition Era roots, with its <em>Persian Room</em> and the <em>Starlight Roof</em> restaurant and bar with city views.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516604300910189970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38IJbz9o40XKISgtPs-VvYWWtiXKDZBj5OQrI-R9fVJdjJvi_l1Y2GOeYmarj1SyrenX18NuRzoNqxS_D6YcajLsDwVIwwWy4p7znZMPsTRT69VvPydYfo0ux740jAy4DrpXvLRXdQnA/s400/marble+arch.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 303px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /> <div>The lobby retains the glamorous decorations from it's beginnings: considered modern in the 20s, it now is one of those 'grand old spaces'. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516604310118388498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHX-qEEVbZ_lc5D-Jy_Ua4BwhJWiwe0AfJgU__Bqvjnarxn3kQFhN58MvsWoWRK7B3_1kSIXGj-vp12-3rutV8FQPK6FVOBhxapZmChc92R0qFEtskuZs-Y38eIA8JYpNt7uU4HGNrA6U/s400/mural.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 289px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />I loved these original murals depicting Sir Francis Drake's near discovery of the San Franciso area. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516604273468242770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMElqZKrjD6i2E3DT__RoSZZuwwe7YyBa7S86AAc8BZLuddyJgSpEmBTUL_PMV_IUTf_d0GUbFapw6sGs2noxMYbQ-E4WkHWkNAG40wobs834dgcNNBPZRZ4XD71K-5G5I8IYGFNyyckc/s400/ferns.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />Despite a major renovation a few years ago by the Kimpton Group of hotels (a company that I really admire for their appreciation of historic buildings,rehabilitation and reuse policies) the hotel is a bit tired now, especially the rooms.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Ctlm1i0hWktF6ULcMBH5oYwPHUv7XhIqYA_sjaJVcoDyRynBQWQG88uOc3btdQ6aV-1rAaUgcuOc15V8VPTsl-HgDwrQ8wTws0qINuARVV0UsHX0meY_KT0WzqrVD7bM5IpPTNNT0B8/s1600/ornate+ceiling.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516604451393114546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Ctlm1i0hWktF6ULcMBH5oYwPHUv7XhIqYA_sjaJVcoDyRynBQWQG88uOc3btdQ6aV-1rAaUgcuOc15V8VPTsl-HgDwrQ8wTws0qINuARVV0UsHX0meY_KT0WzqrVD7bM5IpPTNNT0B8/s400/ornate+ceiling.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>It's an old hotel and as can be expected, these rooms are TINY. Thats fine for most travelers as you spend little time in them but they also are a bit....worn shall we say? The rates reflect this and it has really become a budget hotel in a great location.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLeTeqjRO2S1NnB1HX5ut1Z0ysRw3VNOUHMpBirBFuR1jB9rsGb8VAcOA8E_i5TOZiziVMD5WwiDSTehxs9cca-L2ahcNtdeX8cutm3TYoLgJZV62GtPYw9NcIXn7fre3PHeGK8QKUWo8/s1600/bar.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516604261990138002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLeTeqjRO2S1NnB1HX5ut1Z0ysRw3VNOUHMpBirBFuR1jB9rsGb8VAcOA8E_i5TOZiziVMD5WwiDSTehxs9cca-L2ahcNtdeX8cutm3TYoLgJZV62GtPYw9NcIXn7fre3PHeGK8QKUWo8/s400/bar.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></a>The Drake respects their party roots and this lovely bar has been added to the lobby -a great way to enjoy a beautiful space! It's not the Fairmont, but still a great venue at a great value.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Sir Francis Drake Hotel, San Francisco

While in San Francisco, another hotel I stayed in was the legendary Sir Francis Drake , right off Union Square Park, seen above; a fantasti...

6:00 AM

The Fairmont, San Francisco

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXmOmg3sdrETgrQ4YrqS9PUof65nJpUjn4M2UpCqGXngMeJ7dDOW5wDhV3uNVa9UAcneCfrVszDW4uLDz_zCPA5m6eVut_wjYhTWSTMxRWWZbyDOFCNYjuI_m5Dhjqrq3-NqCf2EP6C8/s1600/fairmont+hotel.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516553932049079522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXmOmg3sdrETgrQ4YrqS9PUof65nJpUjn4M2UpCqGXngMeJ7dDOW5wDhV3uNVa9UAcneCfrVszDW4uLDz_zCPA5m6eVut_wjYhTWSTMxRWWZbyDOFCNYjuI_m5Dhjqrq3-NqCf2EP6C8/s400/fairmont+hotel.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> While in California earlier this summer, one of the hotels I stayed in in San Francisco was the beautiful and historic <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/sanfrancisco">Fairmont</a>. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516188896327839202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_F2qdGm3eVn9hcvADfaeLUdktbRPKhyX3-ywVKMZFqYbkyvc1oYnEPGapiiIxBHdePd_kEXYDwXBNl76vYXwhw96qFwe2hDKNqOePnXiSvXX76FwFRC4GxBfCNFKM2bgN5FalmfLSng/s400/flag.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /> <div><div>Located at the top of Nob Hill, a VERY tall hill, it requires a little bit of work on foot (trust me). However, once there, the climb was worthwhile with spectacular views in every direction. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516188885096745762" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHmaV3gusU9fX1tXpETcQQo3oGkBjljG1N-DK2rKYmUrO3d31nF_BeVh2l0jT_ol_afdNvhQzzK8C52iwKEPLTKdUenIb3Z9ddt7Opc91fKuWcaor6hbnwHSJ9-1oHAZjYX-1kN5oRtg/s400/architectural.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /> <div>The lobby is one of those grand old lobbies that you automatically think of when you hear 'city hotel'. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516188849718860466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdsYctTDGrAwGZOdUrsGXnlInANDyPMgEqVs21vhZd78Nbs8rhws5LVrzHPa0Bbmvg9ny0umdlNNHRAxnshseHTtxrvCp1MG7jF3eS_XO9SUbuxjukv_BqUs1ZqMX-9-1bkUKR3yMA3s/s400/fairmont+entry.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 296px; CURSOR: hand" />It's right out of an old movie: a glamorous place to have a drink or meet friends.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzu5sJx1EtsD0VbCF7Ctgu4fSieh9vSQaL7inTdUeCvdPsajyYJEueTU1MwHiQgBJ_fSjr2E4sQIfO12Ep6k60uY1rAERbIfV9e71JA-ms0JwnxSABHGNv1xD_dRWYiC8-tAYQ4eDfDk/s1600/staircase.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516188573621212386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZzu5sJx1EtsD0VbCF7Ctgu4fSieh9vSQaL7inTdUeCvdPsajyYJEueTU1MwHiQgBJ_fSjr2E4sQIfO12Ep6k60uY1rAERbIfV9e71JA-ms0JwnxSABHGNv1xD_dRWYiC8-tAYQ4eDfDk/s400/staircase.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 294px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>While the hotel opened in 1907 after a devastating earthquake, all of this heavy marble really did make me a bit nervous. After more than 100 years though, I guess we're safe!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-HwLAGWMnS3tQkUJJaC87Wlmvqas6ezeOlo3G75PudpAfpyEbNLawTpCD8FMNRSQT-2-rZ6HsldifGQsC5qHE_f6kRiSOdWN5TqGNbp8-NYXBkzVJT0BvFA15cCy8DDF7iL_ezSDzBs/s1600/fairmont+lobby.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516188566943956866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-HwLAGWMnS3tQkUJJaC87Wlmvqas6ezeOlo3G75PudpAfpyEbNLawTpCD8FMNRSQT-2-rZ6HsldifGQsC5qHE_f6kRiSOdWN5TqGNbp8-NYXBkzVJT0BvFA15cCy8DDF7iL_ezSDzBs/s400/fairmont+lobby.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 293px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> One of my vivid memories from the trip was getting dressed up for the symphony and walking through this hallway on my way out of the hotel. It's all so over the top but in a good way!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihi42i0edNwnaB82NSkXNoswVQhJSeeysFTNVg0JOunguKAR9pPzw4jkb5RoCJ3z4fLJwMGYkObv1vh6GWJTxttlCEr0HepPhH0ZLJx3ibk7Zm5mONLUAqUOFM4ptGr9e0xoJucl8vdcs/s1600/fairmont+restasurant.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516188548350960802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihi42i0edNwnaB82NSkXNoswVQhJSeeysFTNVg0JOunguKAR9pPzw4jkb5RoCJ3z4fLJwMGYkObv1vh6GWJTxttlCEr0HepPhH0ZLJx3ibk7Zm5mONLUAqUOFM4ptGr9e0xoJucl8vdcs/s400/fairmont+restasurant.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 296px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> While we didn't eat in the restaurant, it seemed like a really lovely place for breakfast or lunch. It's right in the heart of the hotel but had spectacular lighting which made it feel like continual sunshine.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Z89NdFxw8ul0lO7QTuXJ_Ek81CjFSalovWxW6XO94iotLb9MaNxpTDf0sQwgPq_UBAQwWEXk_3C3D9mO7RStLzO9-_TP2XGCDbg36MVUoNxsI65FLV5kLw4CneBr-okjaL2t_Yd5V9M/s1600/fairmont+restaurant+2.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516188515279070546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Z89NdFxw8ul0lO7QTuXJ_Ek81CjFSalovWxW6XO94iotLb9MaNxpTDf0sQwgPq_UBAQwWEXk_3C3D9mO7RStLzO9-_TP2XGCDbg36MVUoNxsI65FLV5kLw4CneBr-okjaL2t_Yd5V9M/s400/fairmont+restaurant+2.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 294px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> A detail of the restaurant -check out that ceiling!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVzpnAOm36qGk-KcdKdkfEWuN1FQnDLaiwDkNAxjevbqXO24-OWi4iCS8D1ZECnQM4veMsa_tRBKa_x3DzJynS86VJY-TlETn3gs1cAN7Fc266QlwClbnOHowxK4pIdNMVuQfSaJ_t9s/s1600/fairmont+restaurant+3.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516188481293694034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVzpnAOm36qGk-KcdKdkfEWuN1FQnDLaiwDkNAxjevbqXO24-OWi4iCS8D1ZECnQM4veMsa_tRBKa_x3DzJynS86VJY-TlETn3gs1cAN7Fc266QlwClbnOHowxK4pIdNMVuQfSaJ_t9s/s400/fairmont+restaurant+3.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 304px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> The walls have a beautiful mural and I'm always a sucker for white tableclothes.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsk9YMFDfKq5iHU7MQ5An0M6MXZ9lwJanLrn8-7N6ACf3FXQpqcgzYeDpVLAWMmGk6J5lEZqOm8I2QUM2c-CdoBacfo_F5Vum6mwsbUaDUUOwP3QEo7HeBg9Wacipit3Uja7t0fvDs3Y/s1600/curved+stair.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516188253606545650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsk9YMFDfKq5iHU7MQ5An0M6MXZ9lwJanLrn8-7N6ACf3FXQpqcgzYeDpVLAWMmGk6J5lEZqOm8I2QUM2c-CdoBacfo_F5Vum6mwsbUaDUUOwP3QEo7HeBg9Wacipit3Uja7t0fvDs3Y/s400/curved+stair.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> The hotel has obviously been renovated many times over the years, but some great old details still exist, like this curved marble staircase from the restaurant down to all of the ballrooms and the famous Tonga Room!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7i0_c-Q7LMVF-MMA_3aixBb5YPm4DaaRlHxsuEv33LSpiXhDLhrnpYCGN7_LdPNgVD9Llu8J0OKbYv2FavXxIwytwbzD5-UJvCmDjlFys4ucqWoVCHJ_ZYTgygS30MBgGIKw5UdyeMAE/s1600/ballroom+seashell.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516188236898849618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7i0_c-Q7LMVF-MMA_3aixBb5YPm4DaaRlHxsuEv33LSpiXhDLhrnpYCGN7_LdPNgVD9Llu8J0OKbYv2FavXxIwytwbzD5-UJvCmDjlFys4ucqWoVCHJ_ZYTgygS30MBgGIKw5UdyeMAE/s400/ballroom+seashell.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 371px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> The large ballroom had these great old shell sconces; love their dramatic flair!<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6iqYeEcg1ohCffc4uHAtuP4pUpg8CoGlijiS8n6aKbp9VX9Vc5WuAkLAlCqTCXnAB7lReDsPwSgnV_q0azHeg8-KI1vtdzHOcBvItou-29bCHUHYKPgHsswhl0RSwkWnDziQdhyVXqw/s1600/antique+mirror.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516188225582553442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6iqYeEcg1ohCffc4uHAtuP4pUpg8CoGlijiS8n6aKbp9VX9Vc5WuAkLAlCqTCXnAB7lReDsPwSgnV_q0azHeg8-KI1vtdzHOcBvItou-29bCHUHYKPgHsswhl0RSwkWnDziQdhyVXqw/s400/antique+mirror.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Throughout the many hallways were beautiful gilded marble tables and beautiful mirrors: this especially large one was outside the main ballroom.<br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516188184227402386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXj7Hy7MPtGTMFjFuexjpfJYIFXpHMsFd6GeegiSDa058mzWMOOc2U4Y6LTqN7J1HUCLiLC-5GkEEyqLEXwsX0tBLouGFHSiZtfZ8_Cqdhk8PtUXYn63FzeuRNLXdiYjUCuLKr61Sb9aM/s400/tonga+room+sign.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 274px; CURSOR: hand" />Near the ballroom on one of the lower levels is the famous <a href="http://www.tongaroom.com/">Tonga room</a>. The legendary space opened as a bar in 1945 but originally began as an indoor pool in 1929 which opened with an official dive by actress Helen Hayes!<br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516187894566191890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtjfx7DYKn-dlsjni1EFqd37sOwOpkUlTjJ9fBlOsipuPrKOqEO2lf4vv8p5CIfpcPl3k-gUyXd05yx4XdsMGi1RWDQ0GnibuNfIXC9n-RK5HRHtj3TTXzKS0qkmJfAouOgmNeTkSm60/s400/tonga+room.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 289px; CURSOR: hand" />It was sadly closed on the days we stayed in the hotel, but I managed to sneak in for a peak!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516187884521748258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOKFZZkeMxqy-vTt74_zkwVUEW-45Phev_gY6Iws8L71bdH4kFNNklkMTfQVI6l1GjIl63G0FB4RY7V5EYHMUxhHVrjhSH0G_U4eBs2bXPz5J5aw0wSbMn25xHWvDVmfhThleR0RSxB8/s400/tonga+room+lake.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 355px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />How I would have loved to eat here!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516187874134923154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqvNB8zsifC6HmIbBdMllpCHeIxXRn3ibOKe6xJG1qvNZV1sWjWvsnSjVrYQ4NTh1qkiSnCXk-BbUg2JRqfBdn3iRLQYtqoAO1TP51IupyW9zZiRVvNWTt8kK_l3qp0-fLWDyKCijEKg/s400/chinoiserie+art.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 272px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />The floors above are also nicely decorated with some interesting chinoiserie art, this piece faced the door to our room.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516187860435685154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7WHVXFj85Yko89FblTNepL1Y9I0Gje0pq6J5TfsTMxiRmkYbbK_3x2RBZ06ZNW96labxXsHqVrmZJ2gb96GUNTsKCLwkBT4w7oAYecKL2Z_5OGh2wKiTrxyfe1TxbOf0a3-llkapdl0/s400/chinoiserie.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 322px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />Also loved these fabulous mirrors at the end of the hallways. The hotel is really immense, it was a bit of a hike from the elevator.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516187847575912946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0wIr2rASK0JNYTEYPd-eAgHC3OeBP650hyn98MuqK2Du2ysYsQy3iJS4jELyX8A9kZYFg9WBWOpCcowWUuH4xeEWpNnMEA65I9oe1RBfuV6WUFfiLosuWr9GIW4-fs-OHeiS5MwffXY/s400/hallway.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 208px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />The room was basic but comfortable; light filled and cheerful.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516187576184992770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHGRqLRUTL83segIBXlhMo9rIK7_DPKFhI9k8ZD0WjyQFMQm4Z2uyHDyMdovfFtrRSfhoZ7_fsu0V-XaL6E8LAvOZ81XECYyUbhAFBpnKWNpdTXqTOoqswBK-r0et5xkOp2CKHal3fGE/s400/room.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />None of the furniture was quite standard issue.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516188215798468098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhleMfBWSdxqhoA03uejgzjP4yu1zAkaACMrpVrKFyQSp06HpIFBgy0-4tEx9DF6Ty_6ttlXQZJnnlg9W4tg9X1lp6fzzgJLii-_JFUjkMxHpJUAzWc1fG-vMDiRkgO7q01jJzz8cCOd5Y/s400/desk+in+room.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />And just to part, the closet was immense - probably the size of my apartment here in DC! Seriously, you could have fit a double bed in here with room to spare, the picture doesn't quite capture that. My 3 shirts hanging there sure do look lonely though!<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJiLpDQ-UHiCl-m_Fcne5RVwL2kH4KU9_DWdX2qvUxu3Pw-FMdAMcm6Swb6Zfg_toTMWpnS5-RR9XV85vSKsddEJ8uMzWPk5J1nIhfJn36yeSGA8YEXWdNoocr_fL5kJqYheLVB4TmsJ8/s1600/huge+closet.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516187562230738658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJiLpDQ-UHiCl-m_Fcne5RVwL2kH4KU9_DWdX2qvUxu3Pw-FMdAMcm6Swb6Zfg_toTMWpnS5-RR9XV85vSKsddEJ8uMzWPk5J1nIhfJn36yeSGA8YEXWdNoocr_fL5kJqYheLVB4TmsJ8/s400/huge+closet.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> If you find yourself in San Francisco, I highly recommend the Fairmont!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>

The Fairmont, San Francisco

While in California earlier this summer, one of the hotels I stayed in in San Francisco was the beautiful and historic Fairmont . Located ...

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