Monday, December 14, 2015

Victoria BC for Christmas

I had an early trip back to Victoria this year to visit my father for Christmas since he was heading to Hawaii with my step-family.  Also, one of my best-friends from university was coming into town with her husband so I took the Victoria Clipper from Seattle to Victoria in mid-December to meet up with everyone. 


Unfortunately I chose December 12th as my departure date right when a huge storm hit the Pacific Northwest.  I was on the 9:00 am Clipper and we were warned of a rough trip so we departed a little early to get ahead of the waves.  I have taken the Clipper over 100 times, usually in calm seas, but this was one of the roughest crossings I had sadly.  It took a little longer then was typical as the crew made an effort to avoid some of the harshest weather but the 6 foot swells gradually increased to 10 but fortunately we arrived into Victoria before the worst hit.


The first night I was betraying my Starwood loyalty since my friends had booked at the Delta Ocean Pointe which is just over the blue bridge in downtown Victoria.  The hotel has just completed a great renovation and I had a good room with a view of the water, very modern and functional, reminiscent of an Aloft to me.  That day was spent catching up with friends and with a wonderful meal at 10 Acres downtown, though the heated and covered outdoor patio was buffeted by the winds and rain that night, before we headed inside to the Bard and Banker which is a beautiful pub on Government Street which had an amazing live band playing. 


The next day I had an early workout in the good but not too elaborate gym before I checked out and made my way out into the second wind storm.  I had lunch with my godfather, father and stepmother at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club where I had sailed as a child and where my father was still a member.  They put on a delicious Christmas Buffet.  After, it was a walk around Oak Bay Avenue with quaint stores and plenty of Christmas cheer before walking downtown to the Empress Hotel, back to Government Street to buy some books at Munros' bookstore and some Chocolate at the famous Roger's Chocolates, a quick walk around Chinatown and the Christmas square set up with a carousel and another live band at Town Hall, and then a stop in at the Laurel Point Inn too see the Gingerbread houses they had set up.  After, I picked up my rental car and headed out to Bear Mountain. 

I was given a suite upgrade to my favorite room (other then the massive Penthouse), one of the corner suites with a large kitchen and dining area, a living room, bathroom, balcony, and then a separate bedroom and bathroom.  I had a quick workout that night before going to bed early.  The next morning I got up for a long workout at the gym, still one of my favorites of any hotel, before then heading into town to get some work done.  After, I had time for a quick hike up Mt. Douglas to get some great views over the city and then I rushed back downtown to drop my rental car and meet my father and godfather for a quick trip before jumping back on the Clipper, fortunately on a perfectly calm and sunny day this time.


As always Victoria is great to go home to and it was wonderful to see so many friends and family though I missed many as well.  The Westin was one of my favorites as per usual and the heated outdoor pool and hot tub at Christmas give it a very festive feel with the trees lit up and various scheduled visits from Santa at the hotel over the holiday season. 

Parliament Buildings In Victoria


Westin Bear Mountain Corner Suite Guest Bath

Westin Bear Mountain Corner Suite Dining Area

Westin Bear Mountain Corner Suite Kitchen

Westin Bear Mountain Corner Suite Bedroom

Westin Bear Mountain Corner Suite Main Bathroom




Westin Bear Mountain Corner Suite Living Room and Fireplace

Westin Bear Mountain Gym Main Workout Area

Westin Bear Mountain Heated Outdoor Pool

Westin Bear Mountain Corner Suite View of Golf Course

Westin Bear Mountain Lobby at Christmas

Hike up Mt. Douglas

Hike up Mt. Douglas

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Sheraton Seattle Early Christmas

I received a free Sheraton weekend night as part of a Sheraton promotion and needed to use it up before December 13th.  I was planning on using it in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada but when my plans changed I ended up using it as a stay-cation night in Seattle.  On my previous stay at the hotel I had been disappointed by the service and the busy atmosphere.  On this trip everything was different.

The check-in was very speedy and I was given a complimentary upgrade to a massive Suite on the 26th floor.  The room featured two entrances, two bathrooms, a large living area with a kitchen and dining room, and a large bedroom as well.  The rooms in this original tower are slightly dated but the views and bench seating at the windows were great.

Every year the hotel hosts Seattle's gingerbread house competition, and this year it was a Star Wars theme.   There is a suggested $5 donation to charity and this year was no let down, the entries were amazing with a great deal of detail for any Star Wars fan to enjoy or those who just love gingerbread houses.

I had a Christmas party to attend that night but upon my return to the hotel a lovely chocolate amenity had been left in the room for me.

In the morning I used the great rooftop gym with views out over to Bellevue and the East side before having a quick breakfast in the Cirrus Ballroom which was filling in for the Club Lounge.  Here on the rooftop are more amazing views over downtown.  The Club Lounge was open throughout the day for coffee and tea and had its own lovely Christmas tree.   I then headed out to grab the Victoria Clipper, the high speed catamaran service to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

A great stay especially for the holidays and the hotel itself is in a perfect location to get to Pike Place Market and to many of the attractions in downtown Seattle.

Sheraton Seattle Suite Living Room

Sheraton Seattle Suite Living Room

Sheraton Seattle Suite Small Kitchen

Sheraton Seattle Suite Bedroom

Sheraton Seattle Suite First Bathroom

Sheraton Seattle Club Lounge Coffee and Christmas Tree

Sheraton Seattle Club Lounge

Sheraton Seattle Gingerbread competition

Sheraton Seattle Gingerbread competition

Sheraton Seattle Gingerbread competition

Sheraton Seattle Gingerbread competition

Sheraton Seattle Gingerbread competition





Sheraton Seattle Turn down amenity

Monday, December 7, 2015

Westin Puerto Vallarta - November/December 2015

Well since I am in love with the Westin Puerto Vallarta I came back for another visit over the US Thanksgiving holiday.  The hotel does a great job of making my life easy, especially Angel in the Club Lounge, allowing me to get a great deal of work done while I am down here.

Most of my stay was spent working, working out in the great fitness center, and managing a few hours by the pool. 

I had a group of friends who were staying with their family in town so I met up with them in downtown for Thanksgiving dinner a La Palapa, one of my favorite beach-side restaurants.  

I have loaded many pictures before of the Westin in Puerto Vallarta so below I will just add a few shots over Thanksgiving and as the Christmas decorations went up.  I typically fly Alaska Airlines who are always wonderful but I had a last minute work change and could only get out on an American Airlines flight via Phoenix which was very good. 

It was a great stay as always!


Westin Puerto Vallarta Room View

Westin Puerto Vallarta Lobby Christmas Tree

La Palapa Coffee Preparation

La Palapa Coffee Preparation

Santa Arrives

Snorkeling at Los Arcos

Fishing on the Boat

Cocktails at Las Animas Beach

The Westin Puerto Vallarta Hotel Cat

American Airlines Business Cheese Plate