Sherman's Travel

It was only a few years ago that our our noses turned up (and stomachs too) at the thought of dining in a hotel restaurant. Lucky for all, the tables have turned as empty seats are now filled with guests who flock to make hotel dining reservations and to experience the celebrity chefs and talent. With hotel chefs ranking high among the best amenties, which stays (you may ask) also come with great dining? We’ve found a few to whet your appetite:

In the two years that Chef Jennifer Carroll, chef du cuisine for the 10 Arts Bistro and Lounge by Eric Ripert, was brought to the The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia, she has already attracted a solid fanbase. A Philadelphia native, Chef Jennifer’s claim to fame may be as a Top Chef fiinalist last season, but now she’s known and celebrated at 10 Arts Bistro for her 5-course dinner menu and wine pairing. Dish highlights, which always feature seasonal and organic ingredients, include braised pork belly with melon and herb salad; coriander-encrusted Hiramasa with grilled ramps and lime oil; and spring vegetables in dill sauce—which will leave you scraping your plate for more. Guests looking for an other-worldly and gastronomical experience will do well to book the Dine and Unwind package. Promising something of a triple-threat: fabulous city sights, an exquisite hotel stay, and a memorable dining experience the package includes a 5-course dinner for two at 10 Arts and a continental breakfast led by Chef Jennifer. Prices start at $369 per night, exclusive of tax and hotel fee. Rate is based on double occupancy. Reservations are based upon availability and must be made in advance. For more information and to reserve this package, please call (215) 523-8000 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/Philadelphia.

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Every dog will have a great day thanks to the new “Doggies Day Out” program at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. Guests of the resort who miss their furry friends while on vacation will not only do good to walk a shelter dog from the local Humane Society of the Cayman Islands, but also get the chance to explore the property by walking the finely curated doggie paths around the Blue Tip Golf Course and the North Sound Club. 

The program and walk, created by Marcus Caudill, housekeeping manager for the property, provides plenty of resting spots and shade along the way. Caudill is also the owner of “Charlie” an alumni of the local Humane Society chapter, and advises that guests sign up early to reserve a dog walking spot.

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Tickets to the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia are notoriously difficult to come by–unless you have a lot of money or settle for attending a practice round. However golf fans who are eager to follow their favorite golf stars on the green can find their way in through some high-priced and amenity-filled packages. Kensington Tours 4-day VIP 2010 Masters Package starts and ends in Atlanta and includes two full rounds of golf and a stay at Ritz Carlton properties. Sure the premium price $4,995 is hefty–but  guarantees a stylish arrival at Augusta National Golf Club via police escort (complete with flashing lights and sirens to help bypass tourny traffic); access to the final tournament day alongside the world’s best golfers; and hospitality at the clubhouse lounge with a continually changing gourmet buffet and open bar.

Getting kids to bed on a normal night can be harrowing. Trying to get them to bed while on vacation can be down right impossible. What with hallways to run down, elevator buttons to push and beds to jump on, kids have a lot of ground to cover before its lights out.

But, as the old saying goes, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. 

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