There’s no denying that the perfect complement to a great hotel is a great restaurant – one in which mouth-watering food delights the palate, stunning city or ocean views please the eyes, and a pleasant atmosphere makes you feel right at home from the moment you set foot inside. Whether traveling for business or leisure, some travelers opt to venture beyond the property come breakfast, lunch or dinner time. But why leave the premises when good food and service are mere footsteps away? Below you’ll find a sampling of hot dining spots in select properties, chosen not only for their delectable fare but also for the comfortable ambiance, impressive decor and unobstructed views that have earned them high marks among travel mavens and restaurant critics alike.
New York – Top of the Tower Restaurant: Prepare to be swept away by a majestic New York skyline while at this rooftop restaurant inside the historic Beekman Tower Hotel – a perfect choice for fans of Art Deco architecture. Located on the 26th floor, the hotel’s menu features small plates such as Seared Sea Scallops and Crispy Calamari as well as big dishes including Oven Roasted Chicken paired with mashed potatoes. Open for breakfast and dinner daily, the restaurant’s inviting ambiance makes it a popular meeting spot among vacationing couples and business travelers alike. What’s more, excellent service provided by the restaurant staff tops off what many call the perfect New York City dining experience.
Orlando – The Plantation Room: What could top a AAA-Four Diamond hotel chock full of great amenities including a lakeside outdoor pool, Grand Bohemian Gallery and evening entertainment? One that has a AAA-Four Diamond restaurant, of course, like the boutique Celebration Hotel nestled in the heart of Celebration. Featuring hand-cut Stock Yars Angus Beef steaks and premium cuts of pork, all cooked under the watchful and expert eye of Executive Chef Zach Martin, The Plantation Room is nothing short of a meat lover’s paradise. Delectable steakhouse salads and Florida seafood entrees round out the contemporary menu, and guests can also take advantage of the restaurant’s eclectic wine list.
Las Vegas – Top of the World Restaurant: Ever thought about elevating your taste buds while you yourself are elevated 800 feet above the ground? That might seem a bit far-fetched, but not if you happen to stop by Stratosphere Casino, Hotel and Towers‘ Top of the World Restaurant. Awarded “Best Gourmet Room” by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the restaurant revolves 360º every 80 minutes, ensuring you take in picturesque views of Vegas, the Strip and the surrounding valley. From savory steaks and mouth-watering seafood to a wide assortment of delicious desserts including Banana Bread Pudding, this restaurant is a can’t-miss stop on the Strip. Reservations are required for dinner and recommended for lunch.
Boston – Meritage: The 5-star Boston Harbor Hotel’s location overlooking historic Boston Harbor at Rowes Wharf makes it a great place to relish expansive water views. But at Meritage The Restaurant, that’s not all travelers enjoy – let alone those with discriminating palates. Chef Daniel Bruce has perfected the art of seamlessly pairing the flavors infused in his cuisine with those found in hundreds of fine wines. Try delicious Caviar Topped Island Creek Oysters, or indulge in Pan Seared Diver Sea Scallops. Meritage was given the “Best in Service” distinction by Boston Globe Magazine (2007), named “Boston’s Best Romantic Restaurant” by The Improper Bostonian (2006), and rated #1 for Best Waterfront Dining by Citysearch (2005). Accolades racked up by this fine hotel go on and on.
Los Angeles – WEST Restaurant & Lounge: Housed inside Los Angeles’ Hotel Angeleno, set at the crossroads of Brentwood and Bel-Air, WEST offers a great spot to mingle with friends or convene with co-workers following a day spent shopping or in meetings. Open for breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday, and for dinner Monday through Sunday, the restaurant features a diverse range of lively music, from contemporary jazz to funk. The dining room has sophisticated lighting and comes furnished with lavish banquettes and marble tables. Pair your entree – prime dry age steaks and traditional pastas are guest favorites here – with a glass of Italian or California wine while soaking up panoramic views of Los Angeles through floor-to-ceiling windows. Should you need it, WEST features more than 2,800 square feet of private reception and meeting space.
Whether you’re looking to start your day off right with a buffet breakfast, fuel up at lunch time, or wine and dine with your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day while staring into a perfect sunset, hotels are home to some of the finest restaurants out there. So next time you’re craving a good meal, don’t be so quick to look beyond the walls of your hotel; a gastronomic gem could be just a few floors down – or up!
With February 14 right around the corner, many people are getting ready to proclaim their love and devotion to their special sweethearts. Candles are sure to be lit, cards exchanged, chocolates eaten and roses delivered on what is arguably one of the most widely celebrated holidays of the year. Valentine’s Day lands on a Sunday this year – a definite plus for romantic couples wanting to get away from it all for the weekend. Whether you crave to spend it near a pristine ocean, amid the hustle and bustle of city life, or within close proximity to a world-famous theme park, the sky’s the limit when it comes to finding a romantic destination that suits your preferences. Pack your bags and indulge in a memorable getaway to any one of the romantic hot spots listed below.
San Diego