As the song says, “everything is up to date in Kansas City”–at least as far as The Fontaine is concerned. Formerly called Hotel Sorella, a walk into this hotel lobby, just steps from the Country Club Plaza’s winding canal and lighted streets, is like opening your grandmother’s jewel box and finding a Fabergé egg.
The demure 132 rooms are balanced by a soaring lobby, an amply proportioned atrium/cafe, a set of conference rooms and ballroom, and a rooftop restaurant and bar. In all of these, the classic luxury element is bumped up to eleven with whimsical opulence. Dazzling white marble, purple Venetian glass, heavy red brocade, tufted leather and polished wood are mixed in a pastiche of imposing baroque and tongue-in-cheek mod. The suites offer a quieter feel in terms of decor, but still impress with walk-in rainfall showers, sumptuous feathertop mattresses, and a motion-activated mini bar.
The decidedly new-school glamor is emphasized by summer nights at the poolside bar on the hotel rooftop. Don’t be surprised to see bikini-clad bright young things milling in the lobby, escorted by muscly gentlemen. But the hotel keeps it classy, corralling the pool action behind a full wall fireplace, on the other side of which patrons of the hotel’s restaurant enjoy locally sourced food and sweeping views of Kansas City’s surprising urban side.
From US225+ per night
– Modern amenities and fun, frivolous atmosphere
– Easy walking distance to the shopping/restaurant district known as the
Country Club Plaza
– One of the best included breakfasts I’ve had anywhere, with made-to-order cappuccino and European pastries
– Evening bar scene might not agree with all tastes.
Chelsea Batten
Review Team
The Metterra boutique hotel’s cool designer vibe is centred around the four earth elements — wood, water, air and fire.
Each room features at least one, and I was lucky enough to have a luxury suite with all four: sleek wood furniture, a fireplace, a jetted soaker tub plus shower with jets, as well as two patios bringing in the sunshiny air.
The hotel is beautiful and full of real art, and the staff are kind and thoughtful. There’s lots included in your room rate: valet parking, fast wifi, a surprisingly big breakfast, all-day fresh fruit and machine-made coffees, wine and cheese, a fitness room and a business centre (both open 24 hours).
The hotel opened in 2004 (though it is hard to tell) and has 98 rooms.
Guest rooms are outfitted for comfort and style and are perfect for a couple’s retreat, a holiday, or if you’re here on business. Every room has little extras that make your stay great, like a fridge, iHome docking station, Keurig coffees, crisp linens, wall-to-wall windows and sliding doors, and (how rare!) a well-lit bathroom mirror.
The Metterra is right on Whyte Ave and encompasses the cool vibe of Edmonton’s hippest street. Staff give well-informed and personally-tested recommendations to the best restaurants, bars, nightlife and shopping near by.
You won’t be disappointed with a stay at the Metterra!
From $210 US
– Did you do too much? Soak in the deep jetted-tubs and you’ll feel much better!
– All the inclusions you’d want — breakfast, wine-tasting, valet parking, wifi, local calls
– Weekly chocolate tastings by local artisan chocolate experts Choklat begin September 2014
– Can be tough to decide on which elements you’d like in your room, so choose a suite to have all four!
Johanna Read
Contributing Editor
Denver’s split personality—bastion of outdoor adventure, and outpost of modern entrepreneurship–takes on a new dimension when you visit the purlieus of Laramie Street…and in particular, when you stay at the Hotel Teatro.
Built in the former home of the Denver Tramway, the hotel maintains a Renaissance Revival aesthetic true to its roots, while paying homage to the Denver Centre for the Performing Arts with an ingenious motif: walls are decorated with black and white stills from past productions of classic plays.
The diminutive 110-room hotel seduces you with an ingenue’s elegance into a nostalgic state of mind, with Deco-style decor and old-fashioned service, but offers amenities that are thoroughly up to date, like a rainforest shower, free Wifi in all rooms, and flat-screen televisions in both bedroom and bathroom. I could happily live the life of an artist-in-residence in one of the Hotel Teatro’s corner king suites, enjoying glimpses of Rocky Mountains framed by downtown Denver’s new/old architecture, within earshot of 14th’s Street’s rooftop, and only steps away from the vibrant Laramie Street.
Along with Darjeeling tea-infused products from London’s Plantation Apothecary, the Hotel Teatro offers one of the best soaking tubs I’ve ever come across. The only reason to get out of it, in my view, is the excellent happy hour in the downstairs bar. The judicious selection of wine, locally crafted beers, and complimentary cheese and charcuterie offered by in-house restaurant Nickel, offered in a space furnished like a gentleman’s study and filled with light from tall picture windows, is one of the best ways to relax with setting sun into the embrace of the Rocky Mountains.
From US259+ per night
– “Hidden gem” atmosphere with nostalgic classic decor and friendly, attentive staff
– Great views on the WHAT side of the hotel
– Easy proximity to the best of Lower Downtown Denver
– Limited number and size of rooms may not suit all tastes
Chelsea Batten
Review Team
Right in the centre of Edmonton’s hipster Old Strathcona neighbourhood — voted one of the top 10 coolest neighbourhoods in Canada — is the Varscona Hotel.
There are 89 spacious rooms in this boutique property that is focussed on friendly service and making sure you relax and enjoy. All rooms have fridges, Keurig coffee machines and cozy spa bathrobes ready to curl up in.
You will eat very well at the Varscona. The onsite restaurant — about to undergo a name change — is a favourite of locals. The hotel offers a big daily breakfast (included), and one of Canada’s favourite coffee shops — The Second Cup — is attached to the lobby. Six evenings a week the Varscona also offers complimentary wine and cheese. I discovered that my favourite band — The Dave Matthews Band — makes wine and that it’s pretty good!
If you need space for a function, the hotel has several choices for everything from weddings to meetings. The business centre, open 24 hours, is outfitted with both a Mac and a PC. The fitness centre is great, and the hotel is only a couple blocks from Edmonton’s gorgeous river valley.
Stroll across the High Level Bridge for the views and then explore the legislature’s park-like grounds, fountains and beautiful buildings. Back on the south side of the river, check out Old Strathcona’s fantastic dining and shopping scene.
You’ll sleep really well at the Varscona — the beds are so comfortable it is hard to get up in the morning!
From $190 US
– Friendly, attentive and knowledgable staff will make you smile
– All the inclusions you’d want — breakfast, wine-tasting, valet parking, wifi, locals calls
– The design is a touch plain and dated, but new decor looks lovely and will be installed starting August 2014
Johanna Read
Contributing Editor