Tag Archives: retro

Rendezvous Hotel, Palm Springs

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The retro Rendezvous Hotel perfectly suits its hip desert location in Palm Springs. This 1950s style hotel only has 10 rooms, each decorated around an appropriate Californian theme. The rooms surround a central pool and Jacuzzi, which is used every evening for complimentary cocktails. There is also a bar and firepit should you wish to spend an evening outdoors by the pool.

The area of Palm Springs is known for its celebrity inhabitants and it is no secret that Marilyn Monroe used to stay at the Rendezvous Hotel. Her preferred room is now named ‘Pretty in Pink’ after her, and is designed with the blonde bombshell in mind.

I was in Route 66 bedroom, an homage to the famous highway with vintage automobile memorabilia on the walls. Quirky and yet luxurious the characterful rooms are thoughtful and very comfortable. The bed was dressed with some of the softest sheets I have ever felt, the bathroom featured a large Jacuzzi style bath, and high quality Bee Kind toiletries. Each day freshly baked treats are left on the bedside table, and the fridge is stocked full of unlimited complimentary soft drinks.

Three course set breakfast is served every morning in the small dining room. The friendly chefs serve a range of treats from strawberry smoothies, freshly made pancakes and blueberry coulis, and yoghurt parfait with granola and fruit.

When you want to venture out into the desert Rendezvous have bikes (free to rent) and the friendly management team are keen to offer city suggestions for tours and restaurants to try.

Fun and fabulous, Rendezvous Hotel is the perfect place to stay to get you in the mood for a Palm Springs adventure.

More information and book a room at Rendezvous Hotel here.

The Burrard, Vancouver

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Burrard Hotel

The Burrard is a special hotel. It stands out on a road of uniform shiny buildings with its retro theme and unique appeal. Centrally located, it is the ideal base for busy travellers who haven’t got a fortune to spend. First opened in 1956 as the Burrard Motor Inn, the long history of this quirky hotel contributes to its local reputation. Since the 50s it has undergone a transformative renovation to encorperate modern design and technology whilst keeping its style and personality.

Check-in was quick and easy, it doesn’t take long to get to your room in this boutique accommodation. We found our way to the top floor and admired the courtyard below, with white and block colour design – it certainly has a striking look.

We were in room 423, a basic but comfortable bedroom dominated by the large bed. The rooms are simply designed with vintage features adding character, such as decorative lamps and colourful artwork on the walls. The tiny en suite had everything we needed – a bath/shower, toiletries and other practical amenities. In the room we had complimentary wireless wifi, free national calls, flat-screen TV with movies (at no extra cost) and a coffee machine.

Downstairs there is a collection of vibrant photographs depicting seedy motel scenes, these prints add a tongue-in-cheek charm to the reception area, and emphasised the retro vibe. In the adjoining cafe, Container Coffee, we enjoyed our complimentary breakfast each morning. Yoghurt with fruit and granola was the perfect healthy sustenance before a day of sightseeing, and I particularly liked the Matchstick coffee from the local roasters which is served here.

Hotel guests are lucky enough to have the Burrard Brooklyn Cruiser bikes at their disposal during their stay. We made full use of this added bonus and spent two days cycling around the city – it was a lovely way to get to know our surroundings.

The Burrard staff are friendly and helpful, assisting with your trip in any way they can. We found the hotel to be a comfortable and fun place to start our holiday in Canada.

More information and book a room at The Burrard here.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 236

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Merchant Archive has been around for several years, but has recently been in the press for the new in house collection. Seen in Vogue shoots, at the catwalk shows, and on the sassiest style blogs the chic clothes and glamorous home-ware found at Merchant Archive are irresistible.

Located in Notting Hill, nearby to Portobello, this shop is the go to for carefully curated designer bits and bobs. Owner Sophie Merchant has a passion for vintage finds and an eye for the unusual. Her shop has gradually grown and now, alongside the unique vintage items she showcases her own collection of tailored clothes, jewellery, candles and cups. The shop is a marriage of art and fashion with beautiful things everywhere you look.

When I popped into the shop last weekend I loved the iconic silver, gold and copper coloured pineapples, lovely as a coffee table ornament but also useful as candle holders or a place for keepsakes. Pineapples are a symbol of friendship so ideal as a gift for a lucky pal! The candles also make lovely presents, available in three fragrant scents. The clothes are all beautiful, contemporary fashion with a old-fashioned elegance, I particularly liked the Pierrot Knit jumpers with a striking white collar.

To celebrate the festive season Merchant Archive are offering 25% off all in store and online sales until midnight tonight. Perfect for extra special Christmas presents.

Browse the website here.