Every since I began rating Hotels - the practise started as a consumer alert for travellers - I have made it a point to Hotel-hop as much as possible so that I'll have the opportunity to "sample" the amenities at as many establishments as possible here in the Desert Oasis.
With that goal in mind, yesterday afternoon - last minute - I booked a room at the Plaza Hotel for one night.
What a charmed experience the lodging experinece turned out to be!
The front desk clerk was pleasant and professional and promptly installed me in a suite in a tower that was preferable, in my estimation, since guests only have to walk a few paces to catch an elevator up to their room (in contrast to the second tower at the other end of the complex that requires a long jaunt through the casino).
When the door to my room swung open, I literally let out a whoop, which caused the elderly maid (finishing up her duties down the hall) to stare at me in wonder.
"What a pretty room," I exclaimed.
Indeed, it was.
Quite honestly, I wasn't expecting more than standard bill-of-fare, in view of the low-ball rate I scooped up online in a last-minute sale of rooms on the Internet.
The suite - a swank one - was decorated with an understated elegance that was quite appealing to my artistic sensibilities.
The commmode, headboard for the bed, and elegant desk were beautifully crafted in two eye-catching distinctive wood grains.
Portraits of three legendary film stars (tastefully installed in gold leaf frames) spoke volumes to me.
For a moment, it appeared I stepped backwards in time to the golden heyday of Hollywood.
Indeed!
The personas of Humphrey Bogart, Marilyn Monroe, and Judy Garland appeared to be reaching out from the grave and welcoming me.
Curiously, when I switched on the TV, an old film starring Spencer Tracy and a young Elizabeth Taylor sprang to life on the screen.
Oh, something magical and mystical was going on.
There was a message for me, here.
Outside my window snow-capped mountains touched the sky gracefully.
A sight for the eyes to behold.
God's country, alright.
Sadly, I'll be checking out later this morning and moving on to a new Hotel.
Don't Bogart that suite, Julian!
I'm hopeful that there will be surprises at the new lodgings, but a niggling voice inside me whispers it may not be so.
Can't beat the heart-warming experience at the Plaza in the Hollywood luminaries suite!
Judy! Judy! Judy!
