John and I spent the weekend recently at Hotel Granada in midtown, this gem is like stepping into Spain with stunning Spanish, Europe, Greek architecture that greets you when you pull up. The courtyard is grand, the Spanish tile inviting, the homey vibes permeate and perfect for a weekend getaway, staycation, and to explore the city. Check in to Spain without ever leaving Atlanta!
Before you even enter, this hotel feels like Europe, a mixture of old and new architecture, arches, and stucco. A spiral staircase and awning wind up to the landing where Spanish and European style tile spell out the word Granada. The centerpiece of the Hotel is the courtyard just through an archway! A centerpiece fountain is surrounded by groups of seats where it would be perfect to hang out in during spring with a cocktail from Pom Court.
Inside, the heart of the Hotel Granada is Pom Court. You follow the earthy orange and green Spanish tile to the large bar or seating areas of the restaurant to the coffee shop and front desk. The restaurant, Pom Court’s Spanish inspired southern food awaits from delightful brunch to Spanish southern dinner. We had a full dinner at Pom Court on our second night here is what we got.
I started out with the Alba martini, a floral gin and cool vodka martini with two vermouths’: one is bitter the other sweet, so it has a dynamic flavor! For starters, John and I shared the Deviled Eggs, a creamy and tangy set of eggs topped with crunchy chicken chicharrónes and tangy picked okra! We also got the Beef empanadas, rich and flavorful beef in a crunchy shell with a delish earthy aioli for dipping. For our main, we shared the short rib, which is a super tender and meaty beef on top of smoky corn, black beans, onion succotash and fried onion.
On the way to the room, I notice something special. It’s the custom Atlanta wallpaper with visuals of The Fox Theatre sign, the Olympic Torch, and even Vidalia Onions! Speaking of the rooms, they are spacious with retro design, custom carpet, and gorgeous 20s square tile. The furniture is vintage lounging couch, and teak inspired armoire and headboard on the large king comfy bed. And the bathroom is immaculate with 20s tile, marble, gold tailored accents and frosted custom designed windows.
Tucked in the basement, May Peel is a moody, chic bond-inspired speakeasy with blue velvet and drop 20s lighting. Behind the circular bar, Nico whips up sensational cocktails you can’t find anywhere else. We got a several cocktails at the bar from the Whisperer to Valencia, Eclipse de Sol, and a Manhattan. Of the group, I really enjoyed the Whisperer, a boozy rum and sweet clarified pineapple drink, earthy pandan, creamy coconut foam on top. It is their take on a pina colada. I also liked, Nico’s Eclipse de Sol, a smoky mezcal cocktail infused with spicy habanero vermouth, citrusy amaro, sweet house made chocolate mole bitters. The third cocktail I got is the Valencia is a saffron fat-washed earthy gin cocktail that is spiced just right!
The Intercontinental Buckhead is where I would recommend out of town guests stay in Buckhead! John and I had the most amazing couple’s staycation at the Intercontinental Buckhead recently and we know why it was awarded Atlanta’s top hotel according to Travel and Leisure readers. Needless to say, it is our love language with stunning lobby, white glove service, gorgeous rooms, and the amenities the day is long. From The Americano Atlanta Italian restaurant and bar, fitness center, pool, and world class spa with all the perfect touches await for you.
At the Intercontinental Buckhead, you’re greeted with a smile and white glove service the moment you step out into the valet and onto the front desk. Gorgeous marble floors sweep you into the cozy den-like area with fireplace and a metal dog. You can just sit and enjoy the warmth from the fireplace. Just beyond is the check-in, is the main lobby, a grandiose vaulted atrium with waterfall chandelier, hints of tropical and flowering plants, and one of the lushest murals spreading from the canvas into the floor below. It is stunning.
Up in the rooms, the floor is a stunning floral pattern with accents of black and gray, a long grew blue velvet sofa for cozy nights watching some TV and a plush king bed for relaxing. The moody bathroom calms with black and gold accents with a soaker tub and shower. Plus, our view of downtown from this 18th floor oasis was everything.
In the lobby, The Americano Atlanta is the gorgeous onsite Italian restaurant by Scott Conant! The bar is lavish like a movie set and serves classic cocktails like their olitini, beer, wine and more. The restaurant itself is a work of art from stunning artwork to beautiful lighting. We topped off our couples’ package evening with the best meal here. We got a bottle of champagne to share that was “Sabred” to take the top off! Then, indulged in a delight dinner filled with tangy, spicy pillowy gnocchi al pomodoro topped with creamy burrata, cool and tangy tuna crudo appetizer, a shareable tender and juicy imperico pork chop atop charred brussels and a fantastic balsamic reduction. Ended the dinner with the best apple crostata. Crunchy and sweet, savory and paired it with their boozy yet sweet Nero Manhattan!
The spa at the Intercontinental Buckhead is an oasis. We enjoyed an afternoon unwinding in the spa with a calming side-by-side couples 60-minute Swedish massage. They have a beautiful quiet room where you can sip on champagne or fruit filled water and enjoy some cookies before and after your appointment. This world class spa has impeccable service and unparalleled treatments. On top of the spa, they offer an outdoor pool, room service, stay and play packages, and large fitness room!
We’re ALL IN on Southland Casino Hotel. It is the real DEAL and located just outside Memphis in West Memphis, Arkansas. There is a beautiful hotel where the lobby is grand and where a large casino with every game imaginable awaits. Plus, the hotel and casino has live entertainment, tons of dining options, and special VIP perks. Are you “all in?”
The lobby and casino: You’re greeted with a beautiful lobby adorned with marble, rich carpeting, and stunning chandeliers. Just steps into the vibrant, lively casino floor with something for everyone. Whether you are an avid craps player or simply enjoy the slot machines, you will be entertained!
When you step into the hotel, you’re greeted with a beautiful lobby adorned with marble, rich carpeting, and stunning chandeliers. The marble winds a path to the front desk and eventually into the large, vibrant, lively casino floor. There is something for everyone there with games from tables to video. Whether you are an avid craps player or simply enjoy the slot machine, you’ll be entertained. I also couldn’t get over the beauty of the casino itself, red carpet, stunning lighting above and the restaurants, bars, and displays really draw you in.
For high rollers, called Black Diamond, they have our favorite place in all the casino, the Destination Lounge! This lounge has top-notch service, where you’re waited on like a VIP with the best friendly staff, wine, beer, well, and cocktail open bar. Beyond the bar are the hot and cold snacks like the creamy chicken salad toast, steak egg rolls, and even desserts. Make sure to pick up your Lucky North card to get points and eventually become Black Diamond to enjoy.
Up in the rooms, you enter to a spacious room and a large clean bathroom in the hall with a luxurious rain shower head. In the main bedroom you’re reminded of the excitement with glitter white headboards and red carpet. Yet it is a retreat from the entertainment below with a large comfy bed. Near the window is a small seating area to enjoy the view, the higher the room the better!
They boast a wide variety of dining options like fancy Ignite Steakhouse, a casual Sports Bar, an all-out buffet called The Kitchens, Charred Oak Bourbon Bar cocktail bar, and even a grab and go coffee shop with great little bites in The Grind. Of all of them, the Ignite Steakhouse is THE place to dine on the property at Southland Casino Hotel. It is more upscale with a window to watch the kitchen and a beautiful bar outside!
What we recommend at Ignite Steakhouse is the Game and Smoke tower. A tower for meats like my favorites the rich brisket ends, flavorful elk sausage, and seasoned turkey, paired in a tower with several cheeses, meaty duck pate, tender venison. On top of that is the sweet spicy pepper jelly and cornbread wedges to round out the flavors! It is the most amazing charcuterie board ever!
Of the appetizers, we loved the Wagyu Deviled eggs. You know I can’t resist deviled eggs and these didn’t disappoint. These were whole eggs with creamy filling and topped with small cuts of Wagyu beef and herbs. As well as the, Fried green tomatoes that are crunchy cornmeal outside and tangy soft inside. They’re topped with pulled chicken and a delicious spicy and creamy aioli.
Charred Oak Bourbon Bar is the best cocktail bar in Southland Casino Hotel. They have a boozy and smoky old fashioned that is sure to be famous! Another spot we loved is the The Grind. It is a grab and go spot for light bites, lunch, or dinner. I stumbled on the collard green potato bites that are a standout and a big portion! Crunchy potato outside, earthy collards and smooth mozzarella inside and a fantastic remoulade for dipping. Next to the Grind is the breakfast spot that we really enjoyed the breakfast hash and the pancakes!
Come stay amongst the clouds at this lavish North Georgia Resort: Cloudland at McLemore! Recently, John and I escaped to the north Georgia mountains and were stunned by what we found there! About 2 hours north of Atlanta and situated on the brow of Lookout Mountain, John and I found Cloudland at McLemore to be a master class in elevated comfort, premium accommodations, white-glove service, and a pinnacle of resorts! But what stunned us most were the majestic mountain views from every window, even our room! It was a delight, and we can’t wait to tell you all about it!
The Resort
In the lobby you’re greeted by large wooden doors, opened for you, and walk into glass walls that show the mountain views right away! To the left is the reception area, the right is the beautiful library with sitting area and fireplace. It is stuffed with books for your enjoyment. In front of you is the den common area downstairs. It is lavish couches and intimate seating areas with a beautiful fireplace and a gorgeous topographical mural of the mountain. Outside you sit and watch the sunset from Adirondack chairs or fire pits areas during the day, for sunset, or at night!
And in the rooms, you’re in for a treat. These rooms are done to the nines. Marble and white subway tile spacious bathrooms, while wood and dark colors create a sense of calm in the bedroom area. A small seating area for gazing out the window at the best feature of the room, the views! You can see the entire pool area, outside bar, and the brow from there!
Experiences
Beyond the resort, Cloudland at McLemore has exquisite experiences. John and I did not know just how much there is to do in this mountain oasis! From restaurants options to an upscale spa to world-class golf to an epic Infiniti pool, and of course the best amenity: the mountain views are stunning.
As far as the experiences, we enjoyed a wine tasting, Magic of Napa Valley, a wine tasting with the Napa Valley collective. Small, unique wineries from Napa with excellent wines! Included were Impensata with a crisp sav Blanc, Allora Vineyards with my favorite, a sparkling brut, Zakin Wines with a bright Chardonnay, Parallel Wines with a floral rose, and St Helena Winery with a fantastic Chardonnay! Upcoming they have events for Thanksgiving and Christmas!
And Cloudland at McLemore has so many other amenities! It would not be a weekend at Cloudland without a soak in the beautifully heated Infiniti pool overlooking the brow or lounging by it. Nothing really beats peering over the pool edge into the views of the mountain. Plus, if golf is your thing, they have an award winning public golf course that you have to try! Plus, driving range and their small course is included in the stay. Did we mention the golf course even has its own view? If you need relaxation, they have a calm, inviting, upscale spa for you to relax.
Dining Options
One of the best amenities that Cloudland at McLemore is their dining options. Starting with Croft, a casual spot for Scottish fare. They have a delicious, tasty Cloudland deviled egg dish that I thoroughly enjoyed. John got the divine thick cut bacon, perfectly candied and spiced up with jalapenos. We loved they had two large projector TVs for the big game and a large bar!
Another casual spot is The Pocket Cafe, quick casual bites from pastries like croissants to bowls and salads. I really enjoyed their quinoa salad bowl. Next, if you prefer to dine on the brow, Skyside is your casual spot. Weather permitting, they have tiki drinks, spritzes, and a small food menu with handhelds, salads, and more.
Up at the golf clubhouse is the beautiful rustic, The Craeg. Outside they have patio seating to watch the golfers on the course and to take in the views. Inside, they have a great cocktail menu where I got a fantastic, boozy Manhattan.
Finally, last but not least of the dining options, is my favorite of them all, Alud Alliance. It is the best dinner and date night spot with views and upscale French country cuisine. To start, we tried the stuffed quail and were so glad we got it! It is tender, smoked quail, glazed with maple, then stuffed with earthy and creamy butternut squash with all the fall flavors. It is a top a heap of thick cut bacon. I paired this the Castle & Key Martini, a boozy vodka martin with a twist of lemon.
For dinner we decided to split the wood-grilled, dry-aged pork chop, which is cooked to perfection, tender, and juicy. It has a wonderful, tangy, tangy, apple butter underneath. We got the heirloom carrots on the side and found them amazing. Sweet and earthy, crunchy carrots with a decadent brown sugar and a creamy yogurt labneh. Finally, we also enjoyed the crunchy fried potato wedges, a crunchy wedge potato and perfectly paired with rosemary and olive oil. I paired dinner with an old-fashioned boasting with sweet, smooth scotch, sweet walnut bitters, smoke, and charred rosemary.
Opulent is the perfect world to describe this stunning Orlando hotel, Ette Hotel! John and I decided to stay a night in Orlando on the way to our summer beach vacation and we were treated to one of the nicest hotels. From the moment you arrive, you know you’re in for luxury. The right mix of minimalism and calm, with hints of elegance, class, and splendor. And it all starts with gorgeous Ette plant wall outside!
In the lobby, you are greeted with a lush seating area between the automatic doors, and in front of you is a table decked out in skincare, large flowers, with a large steel light. The check-in area is 20s deco lines, minimalistic with the word ette small and unobtrusive. Flanking each side of the check in are cozy, clean sitting areas with pops of purple color couches, piano, and skincare bookcase! I am in love with the mural outside the spa with the girl decked out in royal clothing taking a modern selfie!
Up in the room, I could not get over how calming the spacious room we stayed in! They provide ultimate comfort and the finest touches. It was calming off white with classy furniture, and sleek lines. I really loved the wardrobe; glass and metal and open with a laundry bag hanging if you need. In the bedroom, the large bed is sprawling and comfortable, the sound of water is played as you enter. The bed design and headboard are modern yet simple with gorgeous metal, clean lighting. The bathroom is also a stunner! There is a large vanity, and round mirror reflects off the glass shower. The best part of the shower is the rainfall shower head with its gentle, soothing in-room spa!
Next let’s talk about the on-site restaurant, Salt & The Cellar. It is gorgeous spot in the lobby, a collaboration with Michelin star chef Akira Back. ambiance is so much fun with monkeys hanging from the ceiling, beautiful sweeping bar, and amazing art deco dining room with lush seating. As for the food and drinks, we can’t get over the epic drink presentations from my smoky old fashioned to amazing Asian-Mediterranean dishes. Let’s take a stroll around the menu items we loved!
We started out with two appetizers, the Chef’s Roll and the Assorted Sashimi. The chef’s roll is a delicious roll with a tender fish, creamy avocado and cream cheese, crunchy, salty tempura fried, and so many other flavors like sweet, spicy, and rich. Chef’s kiss. My favorite of the appetizers was the assorted sashimi. What I really loved was the fresh fish mixed with garlic, salty caviar, tangy ponzu, and to be honest, I could have drank the sauce. It was topped with 24k gold flakes!
After that, we went for the Toro tartare experience! It is a tableside experience with a tasty toro tuna in an ice box, then covered in tangy chives, salt, salty caviar, tangy onions, crunchy garlic and a fantastic ponzu poured over it and then tossed right in front of you. You can also add more of what you want from the mixes to truly mix and match. I paired this with the visually stunning experience, the smoked old fashioned, a boozy and smoky yet sweet cocktail!
For dinner I opted for the well-presented 5oz filet steak. It is brought out sizzling with a top, presented to you and then a ponzu is drizzled on the top that creates a smoke effect that is a must see. The steak itself is super tender and flavorful with foraged mushroom underneath with a ton of earthy flavors. On top, earthy greens with butter cap off the meal with creamy and rich balancing flavor. I can’t get over the sauce mixed with the steak and accoutrement. Wow!
Beyond the restaurant, there are a ton of amenities at The Ette Hotel. They have a spa relaxation room that is open to the hotel to relax. Outside, there is a beautiful pool with luxurious lounging area, courtyard with gorgeous waterfall feature, dotted with tables, and painted duck art sculpture. You can also have breakfast and dinner out there from the restaurant. The breakfast is a buffet with tons of options like waffles, fruit, eggs, pastries, but the star of the breakfast show is the delicious tomato and cheese quiche/frittata. It is worth every penny. If you go out to the right of the property, we found the Ette Hotel has a walking path with water feature and a place to take in the small pond with seating dotted near the front.
We found a retreat amongst the downtown Atlanta attractions at Hyatt Place Downtown Centennial Park! John and I spent a weekend taking in the sites around Centennial Olympic Park and Hyatt Place Atlanta/Centennial Park is just minutes from them. But, inside you’ll find calm! You’re greeted with some of the friendliest staff we’ve ever had in Atlanta and made us feel at home.
The lobby has tons of lounge seating areas to relax, alcoves with TVs, a space for work, a grass wall with neon sign for selfies, and more! Around the corner is The Place bar and restaurant where they have $5 happy hour (select beer, wine, well drinks) and you can grab a hearty breakfast in the morning. They have everything from eggs to waffles! Next to The Place is their 24-hour market stocked with snacks and beverages for any hour! Speaking of amenities, they also have a tranquil pool for relaxing and a fitness room.
Up in the rooms, you walk into a spacious seating area with full comfy couch. The bathroom is on the way in as well and has a large walk-in shower. The large king bed is one of the most comfy and I need to know where to buy some of their pillows! The best part was our view of the roof of the Georgia aquarium and the Atlanta downtown skyline! Wow!
But the best amenity of the Hyatt Place Downtown Centennial Park is the location! It is literally across the street from Georgia Aquarium where you can see whale sharks and a myriad of other sea creatures. It is also just a few steps from World of Coca-Cola, College Football Hall of Fame, Centennial Olympic Park, GWCC, restaurants and bars, and even walkable to Mercedes-Benz Stadium where you can catch a game or concert.
You’ll find inner peace at this newly renovated Buckhead hotel, The Grand Hyatt Atlanta Buckhead! Recently, John and I stayed the weekend at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead and were stunned by its beautiful renovation! Everything about it was calming and opulent from the beautiful rooms to the sweeping bar, to the lush Zen Garden and pool.
The lobby greets you with a grand chandelier and posh art deco seating! The lobby has marble floors, flashes of colorful artwork, and artwork creating movement. Inside The Fabled bar in front of you, the bar soars to the ceiling and the marble top seems to go on forever. On the opposite side of the bar are storytelling artwork and columns reminiscent of Italy or Greece with seating that overlooks the Zen Garden and waterfall!
Speaking of the Zen Garden, take a stroll! Go up to floor three and out the double doors to take a walk through their Zen Garden. Lush plants, Japanese accents, sitting areas and it all overlooks a waterfall that you can see from the lobby and bar. The Zen Garden leads to the pool where you can relax by it and even order a bevy. To access the waterfall, head to down to the lower level during Cassis breakfast hours. You can even sit outside by it with your breakfast.
After that, retreat to your room. John and I got treated to a suite where you walk into a living room all dressed up with a cozy, comfy couch and chairs, and a small wet bar. Loved the art deco like 20s lighting, as well. In the bedroom, the large king comfy bed is accented by a gray scale garden and tree scene which was calming and a small siting area. The bathroom is a stunner with marble floor, vanity and shower! It was like a spa!
The Fabled Bar
John and I enjoyed a meal here while we visited! Here we found out more about myths (cocktails named after myths) on their amazing drink menu and epic journeys like their locally sourced scratch food. All enjoyed in the relaxed, beautiful ambiance of the bar.
To start we opted for the creamy, slightly smoky deviled eggs that also had a good tang and a pop of salty fish roe on top. To go with that came the Tuna Tataki. It is crunchy, sesame encrusted seared tuna with a bright seaweed salad and a delicious soy glaze! For dinner, I had to try the Zen Garden bowl because it sounded so good. I added well-seasoned and cooked salmon to the top of this favorite dish. The bowl is bright lemon vinaigrette, sweet potatoes, cool cauliflower rice, spicy arugula, and crunchy pepitas. To wash it all down, got the Oracle’s martini. This is a vodka martini with floral elderflower, sweet and tart pear, and bright lemon.
Told you! You can find inner peace here at every turn.
Relax amongst the vines at the beautiful Bent Tree Lodge. John and I took a weekend getaway recently to Bent Tree Lodge & Vineyard only about 90 minutes from downtown Atlanta and just down the road from downtown Jasper! Retreat to a cozy bed & breakfast nestled in the North Georgia Mountains that offers a hot breakfast and a day exploring wine.
The main house/lodge boasts a beautiful living space with towering fireplace, lounge area, and tables for the morning’s complimentary hot breakfast. The morning we were there they had a blueberry French toast bake with compote blueberries, a sweet cream cheese icing, and paired with fruit and sausage. I got to see one of the rooms, The Garden room, that has a swing bed outside to take in the winery views!
Behind the lodge is the Cairn View Winery, where we stayed above the tasting room in the Gibbs Suite. A large room where you open to an opulent bathroom with two vanities, a large walk-in shower, and the best dual soaker tub for relaxing. But, the centerpiece of the room is the large comfy king bed, floral accent pillow, gorgeous green accent wall and decor! It screams garden. Plus, you can walk out the door and right into the founders and members den to watch the winery action below. The den is decked out in cow patterns, dark leather, and is plush and inviting. Don’t forget the snacks! All snacks, cookies, water and soda in the room are complimentary to overnight guests.
Cairn View Winery
This north Georgia winery experience is all about wine for happy trails! THE premier boutique winery, you’ll enjoyed a unique tasting experience with a relaxed, spacious tasting room filled with wines made by cairn in Washington state, but this year, they will have their first crop grown right there in their vineyard! Outside, they have a beautiful wrap around porch with seating, outdoor fire pits and live music on select days!
You can opt for a wine tasting to find your favorite like the ones that John and I did. Our first tasting was The Bucking Broncos includes crisp Sauvignon Blanc paired with aged cheddar, floral Mountain Laurel Rose (second favorite), tasty Weeping Willow White, and my favorite the Springer Mountain blend with pepper jack cheese. Our second tasting was CVW Reserve Tasting includes Burnt Mountain Red reserve, 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022 Malbec, and Panther Creek Red blend. All paired with aged cheese and chocolate. We had our wine tasting on our exclusive VIP tour, exploring the vineyard, the barrel room, and behind the scenes with a one-on-one tasting with the tasting room manager in their VIP room.
Beyond the tours and tasting, they also have wine by the glass and an array of snacks, like their amazing charcuterie board! It includes Pepper jelly, an array of cheese, olives, a mix of meats, crackers, and grapes. As for activities, they have live music, sip and paints, wine and cheese, and food truck Fridays to name a few of them.
It is the perfect little getaway near the mountains!
It’s all about comfort at the Element by Westin new Cartersville, Ga location! John and I recently headed just 30 minutes north of Atlanta to check out the new Element hotel located in Emerson, Ga next to the Lake Point Sports Complex and only minutes from Downtown Cartersville.
When you walk into the bright lobby, you’re reminded of home, large plush couches and chairs with three distinct spaces to spread out. Think comfort from calming colors, warm and cozy fabrics to name a few. They also have a snack wall and provisions, some bikes if you would like to use them, an outdoor pool for the warm months, and a fitness room.
Upstairs, relax and unwind in a crisp and clean room. You’re greeted with a white, comfortable bathroom with glowing vanity and mirror, wood elements, and a nice large shower. In the main space, the large king bed is the focal point with wood accents, warm lights and a calling teal blue accent wall. You also have a small reading area and a wood paneled wardrobe and wet bar combo!
On the 5th floor is their restaurant and bar, Skyline bistro. They have a great view of the playing fields from their patio, and the sunset on sunny days. They have a full menu, but we were blown away by their cocktail presentation. Their spicy margarita is tangy and spicy with the rim flavor of your choice but smoked and presented in a dome! Then, couldn’t get over the Umpire smoked old fashioned served in a chest, opened to reveal smoke, and handed to you.
Just north of Atlanta in Braselton, there is a pair of castles where you can enjoy wine and a winery tour, accommodations in a beautiful Inn, gorgeous grounds to explore, and relax in a spa. Chateau Elan is one of the best Georgia resorts for a romantic getaway night or weekend getaway.
Inn of Chateau Elan
Inn of Chateau Elan will make you feel like royalty. Passing by rows of wine vines, the Inn of Chateau Elan sits just steps beside one of Georgia’s best known wine makers. As you walk through the main entrance, you’re greeted with an opulent expansive lobby space, gorgeous marble, three massive fireplaces, a plethora of comfortable lounging areas, and soaring ceilings. You will feel like a queen or king arriving to your palace.
Then, around the corner from the lobby, the atrium space shared by the restaurant and conference center is breathtaking. Take a large spiral showpiece staircase down to the lower level. In front of you is a cascading water feature. To the right is Versailles, one of the most stunning hotel restaurants I’ve ever seen with sweeping ceilings, soaring bar, and wood detailing. To the left is several cozy seating areas to relax in the space. My favorite is the blue reading nook filled with books and a beautiful blue wall. And don’t forget to look up. A flock of twinkling lights illuminate day and night. Stunning.
In the room, spacious accommodations wait for you to retire for the day. Large, comfortable beds are the centerpiece of the room. The bathroom is gorgeous with marble sink, shower, and a huge soaking tub. And don’t miss out on the very large closet and stocked mini fridge.
On the Inn grounds, they also have a large pool and fire pit area. The front desk has games and equipment for the many amenities that Chateau Elan has to offer. There is never a dull moment when you explore Chateau Elan.
The Winery
The central and main amenity at Chateau Elan is their winery because that is where it all started. When John and I visited, we enjoyed their premium classic tasting in the elegant chateau in their property. The winery is the heart of Chateau Elan! They have tastings of all sizes, wine by the glass, and bottles to take home from muscadine grapes grown on sight and a wide selection of varietals grown in California. You will be on cloud WINE here!
The wines we got on the premium classic wine tasting included bubbly and bright brut sparkling wine (fave), followed by the Pinot Grigio Reserve with notes of pear and apple (second fave). We also enjoyed the fruity, sweet rose sparkling wine, citrus and minerality sauvignon blanc, light, crips, and slight oak Chardonnay reserve, and the Greco with notes of olive oil. John’s favorite was the sweet Moscato sparkling.
Chateau Elan Dining options
While we were there, we explored the many dining options they the resort had to offer and were over the moon! Each had its own flare and inspiration for every taste and palate.
Starting with the Versailles Restaurant, it is one of the most beautiful hotel restaurants from soaring wood paneled bar, marble dotted with bright blue booths, and soaring atrium ceiling! This casual-ish spot serves up some tasty appetizers like a full-on meat and cheese plate, or decadent, smoky smoked salmon deviled eggs. We’d highly recommend the silky and melt in your mouth sea bass loaded with an earthy pea risotto and dousing of creamy white wine cream sauce. Or you can’t go wrong with their rich and meaty lamb shank with mashed potatoes!
Our favorite of the restaurants on the Chateau Elan grounds is second, Marc Restaurant & Bar. Here you can dine in the winery castle at this restaurant with their southern-inspired chophouse and brunch fare. We had brunch here on the first morning and loved it. It has something for everyone from the spicy and sweet hot honey chicken biscuits or my favorite the duck confit hash loaded with potatoes, fried onions, and savory egg. John opted for the stellar sweet crunchy waffle board loaded with fruit, nuts, chocolate and whipped cream, then drizzled with syrup.
For dinner on our first night, we enjoyed the best dining experience at the Marc Restaurant, as well. We started with fried green tomatoes that are crunchy outside and tender inside. It is paired with a delicious spicy jalapeno ranch sauce and some funky goat cheese. On top of that we tried the BBQ braised short rib, a sweet barbecue pulled short rib on top of a tasty baguette, rich balsamic and a sweet and tangy tomato jam. Plus, the Herbist floral gin cocktail is refreshing and light. Floral and herbaceous green chartreuse, a hint of honey, sage, and lime.
The main courses we tried at Marc’s were the tender grilled lamb chops and the perfectly cooked ribeye steak. The lamb chops were my favorite, thick and tender, seasoned lamb, that is one of the best I’ve had in a while. The ribeye steak is again, perfectly cooked and seasoned! They send out a bunch of sauces for their meats and I really enjoyed the tangy and spicy horseradish cream and herbaceous chimichurri for the lamb and the rich demi for the steak. On the side, I got the brussels sprouts that are tender, sweet, but have a kick on the end and the flavorful, rich, braised collards. We ended the night with the delicious, sweet, brown sugar port they make at Chateau Elan. And we can’t get over the service at Marc’s! It was perfect.
One afternoon, we took a stop for lunch at Paddy’s Irish Pub. It was originally built in Dublin and moved here and reconstructed on the property in 1997! This cozy little pub offers phenomenal Irish fare from their crispy, flaky, well seasoned fish and chips to hearty, creamy, and tangy Reuben sandwiches to pints of beer, a pineapple whiskey sour, The McCully cocktail, and a killer creamy and decadent Irish cream cocktail!
When we were leaving, we stopped by Le Petit Cafe for a to-go bite. It is located in the lobby of the Inn, a quick coffee and pastry spot for grab and go! Delightful banana bread, sweet muffins, and a large choice of coffee options. While you’re there take in some retail therapy in the little shop attached or take your coffee outside and relax in the patio.
Chateau Elan Amenities
Chateau Elan is all about their amenities. When we arrived and received the resort inclusions, we were blown away by just how much they give you for your time there.
The Spa at Chateau Elan is the premiere one available for purchase with spa treatments, day passes, and even a clean restaurant, Fleur de Lis! They have so many things to do during a day pass like a hot tub and indoor pool, sauna and steam rooms, spacious and gorgeous locker rooms where you’ll get your slippers and robe for the day. On top of all that, free welcome champagne, hot teas, and a snack bar. All of this is with a small lake backdrop outside. They have hammocks for relaxing outside, as well as small cabanas so you can gaze at the lake.
Overnight guests are invited to a free noon winery tour where you’ll go behind the scenes to hear more about the property history and how it became a winery. You’ll go behind the scenes to see where they ferment, barrel, and hold private tastings to learn more about their process and their wine. The tour guide is extremely funny, and we enjoyed every minute of it!
Other amenity highlights include a resort pool and firepit area around the Inn. They have a recreational club with tennis, basketball, bocce courts, and volleyball with equipment available! They have a driving range with access to use it and receive one complimentary range token. If you love golf, use the par 3 golf course with a $15 green fee. they also have resort bikes for use and a one-hour tennis court reservation. But one of the coolest is the complimentary 8 am wellness class Monday to Saturday.
