A star filled night at the Maxwell

Staying at the Maxwell was an experience, not just a stay at another stuffy hotel. The first thing you notice is the pineapple welcoming you from the street & looking up at you on the lobby floor. The pineapple is the universal symbol of hospitality and welcome all over the world for centuries. It is said that Christopher Columbus and his men, gave this to the people of Guadeloupe as a sign of thanks. Now it is still the symbol of welcome, warmth, kindness and generosity. This is just what the Maxwell hotel symbolizes and at the same time embraces. 

When you are a guest at the Maxwell you are family. That must be because the Michelle Foreman Barnet, the president & COO of the Columbia West Properties named it after her son showing what a true labor of love, a reflection on how much she put into this place. That when you are a guest in her hotel you just as loved as the boy the hotel is named after. With this being so Family friendly even your "fur" babies can join in on the family with it being dog-friendly, also feel free to rest easy with the hotel is safe with 100 percent smoke-free! 

The best part of an independently operated hotel is that this is their baby, they can do things like they have at the Maxwell that most chain hotels can not. They have a great tie to the Arts community. 

The Location is ideal located at the base of Queen Anne hill adjacent to the Seattle Center and the world-famous Space Needle, The Maxwell Hotel has strong ties to Seattle’s arts community. So close to Seattle’s top destinations like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, the Seattle Opera, and the Pacific Northwest Ballet also directly across the street is the famous Teatro ZinZanni ! These are just a few of the things that make it a great place to stay! Maxwell hotel is the place to stay when you truly want to be in the middle of it all! 

Walking into the lobby of the Maxwell, is a lovely space, with nooks and crannies to hide in and an inviting fireplace to keep you warm on a grey and gloomy Seattle day, making you feel perfectly happy to steal a day away in the comfortable wingback chairs. A wonderful surprise for me and my sweet tooth, a Yummy complimentary cup cake! They  are offered everyday in the late afternoon, what a nice touch.. I had a lemon and ginger with butter cream frosting... I would go back just for these. 

With the Whimsical feeling you get just Stepping into this lobby, It shines like a hollywood star, with all the extra details that the staff goes above & beyond. With stunning design and decor, fun, artful elements of whimsy, all the while the traditional elegance you want to see in a highend hotel. It is all under one roof.  

Having 139 guestrooms, 1,600 square feet of meeting feet!! With SMART board technology, As all of my readers know I'm always looking for great places for retreats & blogger conferences. They have a POOL!!! This isn't something you see every day in Seattle! 

The swimming pool had tiles hand made through out the pool and the pools entry way area, hand painted by local children. Guest like me will find this along with the other personal touches thoughtful and full of meaning. 

Having also onsite exercise facility, complimentary internet, a lobby espresso bar, eco friendly in room recycling & what is even cooler is that they have bicycle check out! 

With rooms for everyone they have a few to choose from! :) 

Here is a list with pictures taken from the hotel.

An aria is music in any expressive melody, usually, but not always, performed by a singer. Practice your Aria in the walk in shower or relax and enjoy views of Queen Anne Hill or the Space Needle from this Single King Room!

 A duet is a musical composition or piece for two performers. They say this is Great for groups and families! This is the room we had and it  feature Two Queen Beds, and the best part of the entire room to me was the cute chair and foot stool.  Our view was of the   Seattle’s famous icons, the Space Needle.! 

The view wasn't where you could sit in your bed and look out but standing in the big window in the entry of the room. 

An ensemble is a cast in which the principal performers are assigned roughly equal amounts of importance in a dramatic production.

You’ll feel very important in the spacious Junior Suites. Enjoy yourself and your large posse crash after a long night at the EMP! With Two Queen Beds, a sitting area with a sofa sleeper, walk-in shower and a  bonus – 

a view of the Space Needle.

“Prima donna” is Italian for “first lady.” The term was used to designate the person to whom the prime roles would be given.

Warning! In these Junior Suites you will be spoiled just like a “Prima Donna”. These spacious rooms feature Two King Beds, a comfy seating area complete with sofa sleeper, spa tub, separate walk-in shower and a view of the Space Needle. You go girl! Find Seattle lodging downtown at The Maxwell Hotel.

With their sumptuous, pillow top beds allowing you to relax in a personal space that will feel like a home away from home. Each of their downtown Seattle accommodations feature amenities that will make you glad that you were staying with them. Special things that they added to their room,  like a microwave oven complete with a welcoming packet of popcorn and a mini refrigerator to store your favorite beverages and snacks.!!! 

    Also in the art deco room is a 42” Flat Panel TV and DVD player, with movies you can check out for free in the lobby, ( we didn't find any we hadn't seen already so we were a little sad about the selection) If we had known that they had DVD's there we would have brought some from redbox!  also they have cable that is Family Friendly! & HBO! 

    Grab your I-pod from the car and start playing your tunes through their iPod docking station. We went to the bakery up on Queen and and got two Apple pie cheese cakes that we ate along with the hotel rooms Keurig® pod coffee maker, we enjoyed a Tully's coffee without leaving the room! Another nice touch!

    The personal in-room safe will hold anything you might worry about while you are playing the day or dancing the night away.....

    

Along with a nice little desk you are able to 

    Very chic and Stylish room with a bathrooms with a walk in shower, black marble counter tops, hairdryer and aromatic amenities from one of my favorites, Gilchrist and Soames.  

The only thing I missed was a big soaking tub! 

I loved the Maxwell making it my new go to hotel for when I am spending a night at the theater or a fun concert at the Key or even the EMP! 

I really loved doing my review at the Maxwell and hope that they will invite me to review their other local hotels!  It was a wonderful stay and The Maxwell made me feel like a Star! Oh wait a minute, that treatment wasn't just for me? Nope they treat all their guest like stars! 

   

The Hotel Review for the Hotel Alexis in Seattle.

My visit for our part two of our mini vacation in down town Seattle was another stay at a Kimpton property!  One of three in the down town area.  What a treat it was for us to be able to stay at  the Alexis,  that was recently named one of  Travel + Leisure's "Best 500 Hotels in the World" list.  A wonderful accomplishment that just stepping into the lobby you can feel and 
know why right away. 

Going to The Alexis during the holiday season, we were able to enjoy the extra lights, and all the extra touches that they put out for their guests, beautiful decorated trees & gingerbread villages make the lobby and hotel seem to sparkle even more!  Who would have thought that would even be able to be done? Then with the morning coffee that they have in the lobby they add Chai for the pour souls in Seattle like me that don't like Coffee! ( unless it is an extra extra white Chocolate Mocha!) Lord help me if I can taste the coffee....

A living and breathing work of art the Alexis which was recently renovated, is deemed a luxury boutique hotel that is fully committed to the arts community. Being a hot hotel it's so  Unique by displaying original pieces throughout the richly decorated guestrooms and public spaces. They make sure that each hotel visitor is truly going to enjoy every single hand picked artwork & the pieces that showcase the diversity and culture distinctive to the Pacific Northwest. 

While on our stay the Alexis had a few different events going on, the first was the The Alexis "Art Walk" which features art exhibits by local artists. The exhibit rotates every quarter and features various artwork.  In addition to the "Art Walk", the quarterly exhibitions feature works in the Gallery room as well as the Hotel Lobby,  The concept of a rotating art exhibit is beyond brilliant and can be found throughout the public spaces and along the "Art Walk," a hallway dedicated to fine art. This is highly popular with the locals and is known in the community for its exhibits. This Hotel takes this to heart proudly remembering that they are as much a staple in the community as the Pike Market & the Spaceneedle!  They always take extra time to put the Seattle community first! 

Speaking of "Art" the package that we got was the Picasso is coming to Seattle! Enjoy this landmark exhibit, Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris, with a special experience from the Alexis Hotel:

    * Deluxe accommodations

    * Two VIP tickets to the Picasso exhibit at the nearby Seattle Art Museum

    * 2 cocktails at the Bookstore Bar, inspired by the Picasso exhibit (non-alcoholic drinks available for children)

    * Chef Tiffany's 'Bleu Fries' (in honor of his blue period)

    * Complimentary keepsake poster from the Seattle Art Museum

*offer valid October 8, 2010 – January 17, 2011

 All packages include:

    * Hosted evening wine reception in the hotel's lobby

    * Morning coffee service

    * Choice of daily local or national newspaper

    * Plush terrycloth robes for use while in the hotel

    * Use of private steam room and fitness facility

    * Evening turndown service (upon request)

    * Shoeshine service

    * Concierge service

The front desk gave us our two tickets and with  our hotel umbrella & we bundled up & headed out to make it to the SAM. To see the artwork, home video's, hear the commentary and see the  photo's of Picasso was one of the biggest highlights of my entire life. Truly able to learn all of his lovers, children, & why his art changed to display his feelings. If you don't see this you will be sadly missing out.  Paring this and the hotel is simply the greatest package I have yet to see at any hotel I have seen!

Our room was so beautiful! Breathe taking to be truthful. A non-smoking room (All rooms are non-smoking) A king size bed with butter soft egyptian cotton linens & goose down comforters, two side tables, a lovely stand up shower with marble accents & premium bath amenities, that make you feel like you are home like the lovely terrycloth bathrobes or the hairdryer. Also I didn't remember my straight iron for my hair that night and they sent one right up! What a girls needs in Seattle rain!  It is so nice to stay at a hotel that remembers everything even the things you don't think of.  Another nice touch that they do per-request is their Turndown service with chocolates and daily weather report. 

There were two Flat panel LCD televisions featuring on-demand movies, one in the bedroom area one in the living area, along with a mini bar and a refrigerator. The "computer desk" was great as well as the high back swivel chair in front of it, other added touches from home were the iron and board, and cordless phones.  A lovely fireplace and a small but adequate mini library offered many great titles to thumb through on your stay.  A coffee table and a lovely couch in the living area,  An amazing view of 1st Ave, a delight to sit and watch the city lights twinkle & shine and the cars breeze by.   

I loved our room so much that I would have stayed in the room the entire time. Only leaving a few times to go to the two on site place to eat, drink & be extremely happy! 

The library bistro,  an artist and book lovers dream to dine at is reminiscent of a 1940s and 1950s style restaurant with high back booths, ten-foot high bookcases, contemporary copper and bronze checkerboard tiles and oiled oak floors. Their menu brings together local and seasonally inspired cuisine, with signature cocktails and a variety of American wines with a Pacific Northwest focus. Makes the visit a must to do if you are visiting a place to check of your Seattle to do list!

The bookstore bar, is a fun place that is filled with Shelves of books that line the walls near the ornate wood bar and create a comfortable reading room vibe. All the Diners can peruse the extensive selection of cookbooks (also available for purchase), as well as magazines and newspapers from around the country. An outstanding selection of single malt scotch, single barrel bourbon and international beers are offered for your enjoyment, a great place to hide from the rain and not leave the hotel grounds. 

Join the hotel guest with an experience only a hotel like the Alexis can bring to you, when you can  enjoy their nightly wine reception where you can not only meet other inspiring guests, but enjoy a glass of wine as you channel your inner artist by painting postcards to mail home. To explore that artist inside you is just another reason you will enjoy your time here.

Bring your "fur Baby or Babies" with you! You know how important bringing our Fur babies are to me! The Alexis brings it! This is one hotel that is fully committed to being  pet-friendly!  They accept any number of pets without size or weight restrictions and for no extra charge!!! yeah baby! This is a dream come true for all of us "Fur baby" Parents.  Upon check-in, all pet guests receive the following with our compliments:  * A designer doggie bed * A water bowl with distilled water * Complimentary pet treats They can arrange pet sitting services either with their friendly & loveable front office staff!  Or through one of their dedicated pet-sitting referrals, as you explore the shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants in the area! Now that is a 5 paw rating!  Special arrangements for special doggie in-room dining options, in addition to private sessions with a grooming service can be at your service...(both for a fee). What a great idea to enjoy a spa day for you and your "fur babies"

A few other things that you must know about The Alexis has is they have a 24 hour business center  complete with two computer stations and laptop hookup. Wireless high speed internet access in our private dining facilities Personalized room preferences and welcome amenities for Kimpton InTouch guest loyalty members, Full service Milagros SalonSpa on site, a renowned salon and day spa destination, Complimentary daily newspaper of your choice, overnight shoe shine, 24 hour room service from Library Bistro, Complimentary 24-hour fitness facility featuring state of the art Precor equipment and free weights, complimentary private steam room.  Full service Concierge staff along with Overnight valet parking $36 + tax, with in and out privileges (hybrid vehicles receive 50% off parking). A large Array of boutique shopping for your pleasure located on the main level of the hotel.  Also a green hotel! Ahhh my heart just skipped a beat! 

When you stay at the Alexis you are treated like that friend you can't wait for them to visit.  This is how they treat each of their guests. From the moment you walk into the lobby to the end of your stay when you check out you feel special. That you are a VIP guest. This is just one reason why Kimpton properties are some of my very favorite places to stay at! I can't wait to check out the hotel vintage plazza the third property in Seattle! 


Go check out a night at this wonderful hotel & tell them that Kingstongirl Sent you! 

The Review for the Hotel Monaco.... Seattle!

So many great things to do when you stay in Seattle.  Hub’s and I decided that we would go and spend some time in the big city.   Now if you know me you know I am a Giant Harry Potter fan. With the Part one of the final book out in theaters now this was the perfect time to go to the Hotel Monaco and enjoy their Harry Potter package. A treat for myself and for the “Hub’s”.

Located on 4th Ave in the heart of down town, just across the street from the architectural wonder the Seattle Public Library, which is a complete treat to spend a few hours wondering and exploring in.  With movie tickets in hand  for 112:00 pm showing at the movie theater. We got our popcorn and pop and settled into our seat’s.  After the movie got out we were on our way to the hotel to get settled in. 

Making our way up to the front door the bellman were there to greet us with a kind smile and immediately demonstrated that they were well trained, paying close attention to all of their guests. The front desk employees went above and beyond what they needed to do. The entire staff Provided great information at a pace that was energetic but not rushed, the positive energy they show without being insincere was very refreshing. 

Walk through the large doors from the street, into the Hotel Monaco and you feel like you are worlds away from the hussle and bussle of the city of Seattle.  Your sense’s will come back to  when you walk into the lobby. Which is full of wonderful places to sit and visit, enjoying a kissing couch if you would like, read a great book or just gaze at the fire and relax. Reminiscent of ancient Greek seaports, you'll discover large potted Palm plants,  blue accents, white Stucco, wrought iron accents, bronze light fixtures,  globes of hand-blown glass,  velvet curtains flowing from the ceiling to the floor.  Take the time to gaze up at the vaulted ceiling to see the dolphin mural, it is breathe taking.  The lobby was a highlight to our stay so much that I didn’t want to leave, excited to come back that evening for their nightly wine reception. “Hub’s” and I enjoyed it and loved the fact that the staff on hand pouring the wine and spiked cider were so friendly.

Being there during the holiday season, the tree was up and the all the halls were decked. Stockings were hung on the beautiful fireplace, it was a great pick to stay down town during the most magical time of the year.  I was told that the decor is inspired by the frescoes at the Palace of Knossos. The attention to detail is seen in every nook of this hotel. They have a business center that you are welcome to use with Mac computers. (be still my heart) On site. They have a gym with all the major things you need to get your heart rate up!  Down stairs is also where they keep the conference rooms, not skipping on beautiful bright decor they make sure top to bottom shows their best.  

Going up to our room on the 11th floor was a treat having our own elevator made us feel like we were VIP guests in this great Hotel. I was a little worried at first being that this is a Chain hotel, that it might feel to uniform and muted like a motel 6 or super 8, but to my wonderful surprise and only after ten minutes in the hotel you start to feel as if you are staying in an independent hotel. This is what Kimpton wants you to feel like when you are one of their guests. They are a boutique hotel in all the ways that you would want it to be, along with the fact that it has all the extras a chain hotel has.  To me this is a win win, I can’t wait to check out each and every Kimpton Hotel I can. 

  This picture is one of their other rooms it is busy but so cool!

The Elevator opened and we walked past a few rooms before we made it to our room. Opening the room’s door was like opening a gift on Christmas morning. A gold fish “Peter” was there to help us to continue the adventure. The vivid colorful palate that our hotel room décor had boast of reds, bright yellows, raspberries and cream accents all around. Eye popping Layered patterns & stripped wall paper,  like the cherry on top of a sundae the luxurious furnishings and thoughtful details do just that to this fun room!  Decorated with Cherry-wood furniture, a flat screen TV coffee table, two side tables, a queen size sleeper sofa was a nice touch.  A mini fridge and small table for two,  also the complimentary high-speed Internet access & the wonderful robes that “hub’s” and I took advantage of them, to put it simple.... they were amazing. 

With a slip from the tie back the curtains separate the living area to the sleeping area, all be hidden from view from your sleeping area. A great thing if you are sharing a room and want that small bit of privacy, it is that simple attention to detail that makes this hotel so great!   The sleeping area boasts of two side tables a I-pod dock so you can listen to your music not someone else’s. A second TV is hidden in an armoire, an over stuffed reading chair sits in the corner with a floor lamp.  You can completely ignore every thing and just snuggle in the cloud of your King size bed. we also loved looking down on to the 4th Ave street watching the cars and people as they were buzzing by it was nice that we were able to be enjoying our slow paced time in our wonderful room, it was an escape that we need. 

Being a Green Girl another great thing is that this hotel, like all Kimpton hotel, they all  meet the Green Seal™ Environmental Standard for Lodging Properties for waste minimization, water and energy efficiency, hazardous substances handling, and environmentally responsible purchasing.

The reason we picked this hotel was for their  Harry Potter Package which has so much that they included.......... 

This special offer includes:

• Deluxe accommodations

• Reserve discounted tickets to Pacific Science Center including Mindbender Mansion and Harry Potter™ The Exhibition

• Discounted round trip Monorail passes

• Complimentary Valet Parking

• Offer valid October 22, 2010-January 30, 2011

• Exhibit closed Tuesdays, Christmas Day

• Harry Potter™ The Exhibition is a time-ticketed exhibition; tickets purchased through the Hotel Monaco guarantee entrance within one hour of arrival to Pacific Science Center

• For more details on Harry Potter™ The Exhibition, 

HARRY POTTER, characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.  Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR.

To my surprise the staff  made us reservations for us to enjoy their wonderful on site restaurant Sazerac, keeping up with the Harry Potter theme they have a special menu just for this wonderful package. it is truly the best experience for an avid Harry Potter fan like me.!! They have many packages to choose from and will do anything for you to have a memorable stay. 

When we left the next day after a late check out. I was a bit sad to leave. I know that staying at the Hotel Monaco will be a yearly event when we head to the City for our Christmas tradition, now adding this wonderful hotel to it!  

Remember to tell then that Kingstongirl sent you!! 

The Hallmark Inn. Newport.

The drive to Newport was a beautiful drive, so much to see and so much to do. When we found our hotel the Hallmark inn, The hotel itself  was  a bit outdated, nothing you would think seeing the other Hallmark inns. Especially the Hallmark inn at Cannon beach which I have had the pleasure of staying at a few time's. Having that place to compare to this hotel made the Hallmark a little bit of a let down, at first.

The Resort's 158 non-smoking guestrooms and staterooms feature a variety of amenities, that most hotel's now come standard with, Snack-size refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, DVD players available in most rooms, complimentary newspapers are available in the hotel lobby, personal care and bath products, hair dryer, bathrobes in spa rooms, telephone with voice mail, complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access and a desk for you to sit and write at.  Our "fur" babies were welcome here and the hotel is very pet friendly without the feeling of getting second class rooms. Especially appreciated was the pet basket with towels, bed sheet, toy and treats. It was that point that they made to make them so welcome that made me know I would stay here again and again.

Georgie's Restaurant has ocean views, friendly waitstaff, good food and is on the premises, We had dinner reservations for 6:00PM and they called our room at 5:45PM and they said that they had room for us now and even asked us what we wanted to drink, it was all ready for us when we made our way to our beautiful table.  I had the chowder and warm bread, a shrimp, crab salad. It was amazing. "Hub's" had a wonderful seafood pasta and even though the price was a bit high for the 70's decor, the food made it all worth it. We can't wait to go back to eat here again.

One thing that we loved was the little window to let in the the sounds of the surf without compromising the security. The fireplace was the perfect compliment to the early morning foggy beach.  You can't beat the view in each room they make sure nothing competes with that. Along with easy trails to the beach and a wonderful pool and hot tub. We found another thing we loved about the Hallmark resort and that is the ideal location that is close enough to walk along the water to the historic nye beach. Amazingly while we were there on this stay we were lucky to witness the whales surfacing and spouting from our hide a bed couch we had decided to make up to watch the waves and as we were watching we were so excited to see the whales dancing about right in front of the hotel.

What this place lacks in sophistication and class it makes up with in charm. This is not a newer facility, but it is nice and, in the right conditions, offers a great stay for a great price. One thing I know for certain is that the staff is above and beyond friendly.

There staff even told me that they are doing alot of upgrades around the hotel and will be making improvements to most of the guestrooms this winter. On your next visit look for new flat panel TVs, fresh duvets on the beds and a new MP3 player. It is like a book that you judge from the cover, unless you dive deep into it you might miss out completely on this wonderful hotel.  We might have had our second thoughts about where we were staying at in the start, but peeling the layers away we found a place that we would stay at again. Recommending to many of our friends!

Lands End Hotel Review.....

I saw this Gem of a hotel a few years back when my family & I went there for the 4th of July.  The Lands end is right on the beach in the heart of town.  Just two block away from the main road of Cannon beach. It is located in the perfect setting in Cannon beach and has the feel of a 1950's vibe beach house.

When you go to stay here you are greeted with fabulous views of the Pacific Ocean, & the scenic rocks at Ecola State Park and we can't forget the views of  the historic Tillamook Lighthouse.  A beautiful beach front patio, complete with a BBQ and a picnic tables. "Hub's" and I sat and got lost in our books, in the comfortable seats, while watching the sunshine dance upon the pacific ocean.
This Patio is a reason all on its own for you to want to stay here!

The staff was amazing and it was a pleasure to work with. They made you feel like you were the only one staying at the Hotel. Any questions were answered and they even guided us to the best places to eat in town.  In the lobby there is a DVD selection for you to use in your room with the DVD player.  Thankfully this is a Non-smoking hotel. Which it makes ever room smell fresh.

Each room that is on the property are light-filled rooms feature panoramic vistas, balconies, fireplaces and wood to burn. Wireless internet, cable TV, DVD player and kitchenettes.  Our room was one of the few that wasn't re-modeled, but it didn't take away from anything at all. Our room also had a trundle bed. In the room they put in a little kitchen Island and a cute breakfast nook for you to enjoy the view of the ocean, with the fire roaring behind you. All you can as for is a nice winter storm.
The other rooms that have been remodeled have gas fire places. High Def flat screen TV's, along with in room jetted tubs, in addition to all the things that were in our room.  Enjoy a relaxing time spent in the onside outdoor whirlpool spa hot-tub.  They even have a cute shaded courtyard that is a quiet place to rinse the sand off your feet after that long walk on the beach. 

This place is "Fur Baby" friendly, although they don't roll out the red carpet for them, it is still a nice place that allows for dogs.  Our dog's were very comfortable here and it was easy to clean the beach off of them in the outside wash station making the dog towels they loan you for your stay come in so handy.

The biggest reason why I loved the Lands End is the fact that it's feeling of being on vacation but having the comfort as if you are home.  That it's the prime places to bring your family, your pets and enjoy the beach front hotel, Any of the rooms you can open your windows and hear the waves of the ocean crash down upon the land.  I can't wait to grab my close friends & family book all the rooms at the Lands End and enjoy a fun weekend playing on the beach and making memories and starting new traditions with our new family at the Lands end.

Alderbrook Spa........

The Alderbroook Spa was just what the Hub’s and I needed to enjoy for some great rest and relaxing. When we walked into the spa we could both feel the stress of our everyday life that we live in, fade away. With our work demands and deadlines we just needed to take this time to reconnect. I think it is really important to do that as a couple.

Alderbrook Resort and Spa is that perfect place to do just that. We were lead from the dressing rooms in our terry cloth robes and lovely slippers that they give to you to use when you are there.  With a service in the spa you get to enjoy all the amminites that they have like the sauna, and steam room, the hot tub or the on site pool you can use them as long as you want to for the day you have your appointments. A must for you to fully enjoy your time at the Alderbrook Spa.

We enjoyed some much needed quiet time as we read our books, drank tea, and enjoyed the calm feeling of the relaxation room.  In the summer I want to come back and use the private patio adjestent to the relaxation room.  You can always cuddle up with a book snuggle up together on the patio with the glowing fire place that greets you before you even enter the spa.

This was my second time to be able to enjoy the Spa and I have to tell you that  just a few of the wonderful things that they have to offer I was able to take the time and truly enjoy a pedicure with Stacy. She was a delight and a joy to get to know for that hour. Being the type of person I am I don't relax easy. With a few gentle reminders I was able to let go of all the tension and experience a true spa pedicure, with a tub basin, roses and essential oils. I don't think I will ever be able to go to another place to enjoy a treatment and not be let down because I am not getting it done by Stacy. That is something to say. 

To top our spa day off we had a couple massage by Ann Marie, and Jami. "Hub's" had a hot stone massage and raved about how he never had a massage that felt that good and had the chance to enjoy himself and fully relax with a deep tissue massage, like he did with Ann Marie.  Jami on the other had did a nice soft, relaxing aromatherapy massage on me and I was so relaxed that I think at times I fell asleep, maybe not 100% but to the point where you really feel that relaxed. What I like most about both of these ladies is that they didn't talk our ears off the entire time. That is the main reason why I feel that this was the most relaxing massage I have ever had, that either of us have ever had. 

We will come back again, choosing to celebrate special moments and occasions at the Spa and at the Alderbrook resorts. This place means so much to us and if you need to find a place that will mean something to you and your spouse, your best friend or a yearly girls weekend, no matter what you need this is the place to begin. 

SPA DIRECTOR:

Elizabeth Russell –

Elizabeth has been the Spa Director at Alderbrook Resort for over 3 years.  She believes that talented, passionate and caring therapists are the foundation of an amazing Spa experience, and only hires therapists who believe the same. 

She considers Alderbrook Resort a very special place, where the beauty of the natural world invites a self reflection that few of us make time for in our busy lives.  The Spa is the perfect extension of that self reflection, allowing guests to rest, relax, and really take the time to reconnect with themselves or a loved one.

LICENSED MASSAGE PRACTITIONERS:

Shannon –

Shannon has been at the Spa at Alderbrook for over 4 years, and has proven that her skill and passion for the healing art of massage therapy is a perfect fit at the Spa. A graduate of Ashmead School of Massage, Shannon has been practicing for 11years.  When she is not at the Spa, Shannon loves to work in her garden!

Rebecca -

Becca has been a massage therapist at the Spa for over 2 years now.  A graduate of Ashmead School of Massage, Becca quickly established herself as a therapist with an amazing spirit and a special talent for making her guests feel their best.  When she is not at the Spa, Becca actively pursues her other passions for the arts of dancing and photography

Susan -

Susie is a dedicated massage therapist and graduate of Ashmead School of Massage. She has been at the Spa at Alderbrook for 3 years now; the Spa is a perfect fit for Susie, as the spectacular location on the Olympic Peninsula allows her to pursue her favorite hobby: hiking!

Jami -

Jami is a graduate of the Alexandar School of Natural Therapeutics.   She has been at the Spa at Alderbrook for over 2 years now and has spent countless hours pampering the Spa’s guests. When she is not at the Spa, she spends her spare time hanging out with friends and family, and enjoying her vacations!

Kristina –

Kristina is a graduate of Ashmead School of Massage, and has been with the Spa for 2 years now.  She loves what she does, especially if it involves hot stone massages or delicious body treatments! When she is not delighting our guests at the Spa, you can find Kristina moonlighting as an aspiring pro wrestler! Watch out!

AnnMarie –

Ann Marie has been with the Spa for 4 years and is another graduate of Ashmead College, and then later an intern at Stevens Hospital.  She loves to explore the outdoors, especially fishing, hiking, photography, and spending time with her family.

Laurie –

Laurie is a graduate of the University of Puget Sound, School of Theology at Claremont, and the Alexander School of Natural Therapeutics.  She has been with the Spa for 2.5 years, but has been practicing for 22!  Laurie is a therapist that has a wide interested in massage and healing.  Her continuing education includes: Qi Gong (1.5 years private study), Healing Touch (2^nd level), Muscle Energy and Strain/Counterstrain (courses from URSA Foundation, Edmonds), LomiLomi, Trager Mentastatic (Level 2 of 3, certification expected in early 2011)

When she is not at the Spa, Laurie works full time for the state of Washington, doing digital imaging, and is a co-founder of Reach Them Online, a social media management company (www.reachthemonline.com). Before working for the State, Laurie had a full time massage therapy practice in Tacoma for 10 years.

Her favorite hobbies and distractions include: music, writing,  and photography/Photoshop image enhancement.

Marla –

Marla attended Ashmead School of massage in fife Washington. She has been with the Spa for 4 years now, and practicing massage for 9. Marla has injury treatment experience and training, as well as Structural Relief Therapy.  One of her favorite treatments to give is a pregnancy massage.  She is also experienced in:

Positional Relief Therapy, Reflexology Level 1, Hot Stone Massage, LomiLomi Massage. 

She does not only do Deep Tissue massage, her modalities range from Swedish to Stretching, Deep Tissue, Warm Stones, Trigger Point work, etc. She loves to add several modalities into her body treatments. 

When she is not giving Spa treatments, Marla loves to receive them…having Spa days is one of her favorite activities…and much deserved considering that camping and hiking are her other favorites!

ESTHETICIANS:

Jennifer -

Jennifer is our lead Esthetician here at the Spa at Alderbrook.  She has been with the Spa for 4 years and has since delighted guests and staff alike with her skills for making your skin come alive. 

Jennifer loves educating women about skin care and how to feel good about their skin, and is passionate in passing on her knowledge of how to slow the ageing process of our skin.

When she is not helping the Spa’s guests find rest, relaxation and beautiful skin, Jennifer loves to travel, garden and cook a delicious meal!

Andrea -

Andrea is a graduate of the Euro Institute of Skin Care in Renton, Washington.  She has been with the Spa at Alderbrook since August of 2009, and quickly demonstrated her enthusiasm and knowledge for the art of skin care. Andrea is passionate about skin care and loves to keep up-to-date on new skin care trends and products.  She always wants to learn new tools and techniques that can aid her in helping her clients improve their skin. 

When she isn’t making your skin glow, Andrea enjoys skiing, sailing, kayaking, concerts and scrapbooking!

 COSMETOLOGISTS:

Beth -

Beth has been a cosmetologist for over 12 years, and attended the Gene Juarez Academy of Beauty.  While Beth is our lead stylist for brides and wedding parties, she does also delight the Spa’s guests with manicures and pedicures on occasion!  During her years in the industry, Beth has preformed everything from manicures and pedicures, to hair styling and cutting, hair coloring, makeup and waxing.  She is truly a woman who can make you look your best!

When she’s not at the Spa, Beth loves cooking and baking.

Stacy –

Stacy has been with the Spa for several years, and is a graduate of Grays Harbor Beauty College.  She loves working in the Spa’s atmosphere, and strives for perfection in detail in her work.  She aspires to provide the most relaxing Spa Experience for her clients.   When she is not giving the Spa’s guest’s beautiful fingers and toes, Stacy loves to spend time with her family, doing painting and home projects, as well as enjoying the waters of Puget Sound doing boating and fishing.

 So do yourself a favor contact the spa today and tell them Kingstongirl sent you!

This is a perfect gift from Santa.