La Dolce Vita

I seldom scrimp when taking a few days off, but this time I think I've over-done it. I am now officially spoiled for all future travels. The idea for this summer was rather than a marathon two-week or so vacation road trip we would do several shorter three or four day excursions. The first was last month when we returned to one of our favorites, Santa Fe. I reported on the Inn of the Anasazi and a couple of the great dining experiences.

This month it is a business/pleasure excursion to nearby Dallas. After nearly six years in Texoma we've never really spent any time in downtown Big D. We wanted to hit some fine restaurants and not have to face the 90 mile drive home afterward. When SWMBO got the opportunity to attend a continuing education conference on autism, we started planning.

Here is where we are:

Puttin' On the Ritz

The deal clincher when shopping for a place to stay among the legendary hotels downtown was the special of three nights for the price of two at the club level. If you're a Motel 6 fan, don't ask. But if you appreciate what spending a few bucks can get you, this is an amazing experience.

What does "club level" mean?

It is a special amenities floor. The rooms are a premium price compared to non-club level, but when it becomes three for two you suddenly find yourself in the lap of luxury for less.

Free valet parking. Incredible staff and service. The "club" offers free continental breakfast, snacks, hors d'oeuvres all day, more snacks and wine at close of business and finally after-dinner drinks and sweets at bed-time. Five different layouts all day long. Last night after dinner we sipped Remy Martin cognac with beautiful petits fours and chocalates. All comped.

Dinner was at Fearing's in the hotel. Dean  Fearing is the master chef who essentially elevated the legendary Mansion at Turtle Creek to Mobil Five Diamond status with his restaurant there. His move to the Ritz-Carlton has cost the Mansion and boosted the Ritz.

Tonight it will be Stephan Pyle's, another Dallas top restaurant. And, as a guest at the club level, we get a free ride to and from the restaurant a couple of miles away in the hotel's complimentary Bentley. That's top drawer.

Neatest thing I've seen in the hotel?

How about a television built into the mirror in the bathroom? Yep! While you shave you can be watching the news embedded in the full wall over-the-sink mirror.

Life is good.

UPDATE: Life just got better still. It's 11:30 AM now and after the newspaper and cappucino, I'm browsing and blogging in the club room and the concierge just brought me a frosty, chilled glass of champagne. Spontaneously, not asked for, just part of the treatment. YGBSM!