Monday, February 08, 2010

Meet me at the hotel!

Who says hotel lounges are just for tourists?

I have always loved hotels. Especially growing up in Bali, where hotels are always extra beautiful and luxurious with the undeniable competition of Balinese architecture and arts. I have stayed in a fair share of hotels (lived in one for the first few years of my life!) so I feel like I have knowledge and expertise on what makes a hotel a good hotel.

But I want to talk specifically about hotel bars, restaurant and lounges. Only because Saturday night Kelsey and I went out for cocktails at one the most luxurious hotel bars. In true 'bb' style, armed with a bright smile in new YSL lipstick, Chanel's latest nail polish and matching LV shawls we were ready for a night out!


We started our night at "The Market" at the Shangri La Hotel. As soon as we walked in we knew we were having a glamorous evening. The Lobby Lounge features dramatic two-storey floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking an outdoor art galleria curated by the Vancouver Art Gallery. Guests can linger over live piano music and sip premium brands, or opt for a light snack. On the third floor is a destination bar (our destination!) with high-top chairs, window seats and a full range of premium brands. We sat at the bar, perused over the drink menu and decided on a lemon drop margarita to start. Delicious! We thought maybe dessert? The choices were unbelievable. I wish I could remember the glorious names to all of them, but there were fig and blueberry cheecake, classic chocolate cake and vanilla bean ice cream..., etc. We were contemplating sharing one to start and maybe another one later.... but then we noticed that the bartender served us a little jar of the most delicious mini marchiano cherries, and the most delicious mini serving of popcorn I'd ever have, season lightly with olive oil and rosemary. So we were pretty content with our snacks. Fast forward a couple hours later (a crafe of french wine and coffee bean shots) it was time to say goodbye to our lovely bartenders.

"The Market" is now definitely one of our fav spots!
xx