kitchen – DOWN THE BLOCK, AROUND THE CORNER

Fort Lauderdale: SNOOZE; a boutique hotel featuring just the essentials

SNOOZE; a BOUTIQUE hotel featuring just the essentials.

Fort Lauderdale, FL

“Who owns Snooze?” I asked,

“I do,” Robert said from his stool behind the small check-in counter. Robert, once a London-based

real estate investor focused on hospitality, had become an Owner/Registration clerk. No uniform

required.

“Nice place, great location, a bang for the buck,” I said.

“Bang for the buck is our target. Provide upscale essentials, just the essentials,” Robert said.

Snooze is located on the A1A strip in Fort Lauderdale Beach, far enough from the

Snooze, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, beach, undiscovered, hotel, A1A, deck, on the beach, beach, kitchen, boutique, waking path, jogging, ocean view, price, locals, — View from room 301

honky-tonk strip that only traffic sounds and Atlantic waves can be heard through your open window. A 2^nd floor deck offers box seats to view the fruit of A1A; the morning parade, afternoon bikinis and the stream of classic cars.

Why this place appeals to me. The view, the refrigerator, the cleanliness and the walking options.

Snooze is the best of the Roger Miller’s 1960’s tune, “No phone, no pool, no pets …” But Roger didn’t sing about offering the essentials; wine glasses, a corkscrew, refrig/freezer and three tables – one for work, another for vitals, and a 3^rd for stuff!

How Far Down the Block? [mappress mapid=”7″]

A 1.1 mile walk south on A1A to the Bahia Cabana bar on the inter-coastal.

Just step outside to join the A1A parade.

Far enough down the block to be out of range from the Spring-breaker throngs trying to resurrect the Elbow Room.

Why you might be nearby?

You’ve stayed at the Fort Lauderdale Ritz Carlton and this time you want to go local.

The Pillars is too wonderfully serene.

Lesser Known Facts

Snooze was formerly the eighteen room Ocean Holiday Hotel, distinguish by its flamingo pink exterior. A 360 degree view roof-top deck is planned for summer 2014.

Local Recommendation Upscale local, walk two blocks to the Pillars for an evening glass of wine.

Consider a cab ride to Casa D’Angelo for an Italian dinner.

Local, local; See if Jimmy Buffett stopped at the Bahia Cabana for a beer and takes the stage.

Something for Nothing

Snooze supplies free WiFi, free beach chairs, beach towels and umbrellas. Each morning God and Mother Nature provide the A1A parade. Two of everything joins the parade just after dawn. It is not possible to feel uncomfortable or out-of-place strutting on A1A at 9 am on a March morning.

Nelson, New Zealand: The Sails; a boutique hotel

Nelson, New Zealand

The Sails; a boutique hotel

The Sails Nelson, NZ — Sunrise at The Sails

Why this place appeals to me: The owner/operators Max and his wife Robyn are hands on; chatting as they fold towels inside the overhead door of The Sails laundry facility. Max and Robyn live on-site. The Sails is somewhat unknown as it opened new in Dec. 2012. The Sails sparkles.

Each room has full kitchen amenities, superb coffee service, full glassware and silverware, a small deck and a glass and chrome bathroom. 65 channels are provided on an LCD TV. Wi-Fi is complimentary. Max enthusiastically acts as de facto concierge at The Sails; advising on events, dining and drinks.

The Sails is a bit of a splurge at NZ $160 for thrifty travelers, but worth the price.

The Sails Cocktail hour — Cocktail Hour at The Sails

How Far Down the Block? Six blocks from the bus station on Bridge Street in the center of Nelson; your likely arrival point as there is no train service in/out of Nelson. From the bus station it is a 100 meter, half-block walk to Trafalgar Street, lined with a choice of pubs and restaurants. Turn the corner north and walk five blocks to The Sails.

Why you might be nearby? A) You fell into the gravitational pull of the Marlborough vineyards, B) You were cold and Nelson is reported to have consistently pleasant weather.

Two of New Zealand’s top offerings are featured in Nelson; cycling and brew pubs. And they compliment each other. Confer with the locals in choosing a ride, make sure it passes by, then ends with a proper pub. Paved bike trails run along the ocean, up the rivers leading into Nelson and into the low mountains surrounding Nelson.

From The Sails it is a quick, uncluttered ride to join the cycle trails. [mappress mapid=”5″]

Lesser Known Facts: Max worked for IBM, based in Connecticut, USA for fourteen years. Max got his start in hospitality developing pubs and restaurants; selling when the establishments achieved success. He bought the site for The Sails and oversaw construction of the hotel.

Local Recommendation: The Saturday morning market in downtown Nelson.

If you turn the wrong way where Bridge Street meets Trafalgar after leaving the bus station, you quickly arrive at The Vic, Mac’s Brewpub on Trafalgar Square in Nelson. Stop for a beer.

When traveling I take along baseball-style caps scripted with Traverse City, Michigan – my hometown. For extraordinary service, a cap is awarded. The cap does not replace tips or accolades, it is an added acknowledgement. Max was awarded a cap for his exceptional facility and guest service.

Something for Nothing The Sails provides two bikes on site for use by their guests. Not the same quality as the cycle rental options nearby, yet perfect for a 90 minute exploration of Nelson. The Sails offers laundry service for guests for $8.00 a load; an appreciated touch for frugal packers.