Friday, December 5, 2008

My anniversary surprise

Hubs surprised me. Well, sort of. He told me that last Sunday (11/30/08) we were going to be spending the night somewhere and to pack a bag. Yay! But wait, what about our dogs?! He said he arranged for someone to take care of them. Hmmm...if you know me, you know my dogs are my children, and I don't trust just anyone to watch them. Especially old girl Sammi. She's 14+ years old, almost completely deaf and almost blind. I worry so much about something happening to her, especially when we aren't around. Not to worry, it was taken care of....

Hubs ended up telling me where we were going. He surprised me with a night at this very funky, eclectic hotel in Dallas called
Hotel Belmont. It's a fun place that was originally built in the 1940s. It was recently renovated in 2005 and has such a cool, funky vibe! Their motto is "modern luxury, local flavor and mid-century swank." While it still has it's retro charm, it also has modern details. And best of all, our room had a fantastic view of the Dallas skyline, both during the day and at night.

The sitting room. It had views of the skyline as well as some of the gardens below. I can imagine that in the summer the flowers are overflowing.





The bedroom was so lovely. Very simple, but very cozy. The bed was comfortable, and I don't know what they used for laundering the sheets, but they smelled so good.



A garden tub for two. Or four. Seriously, you could fit an entire family in there.



Some of the beautiful views.









We decided to stay at the hotel and eat at their restaurant. They really are into mood lighting. I totally had to lighten the picture up just so you could see us. ;)



We went to the lounge/bar area before dinner and then after. They feature artwork from local artists. Loved that.

Views from the bar patio.





Now, I know you can't see *us*, but you can see the skyline, and that's much nicer to look at. ;)





Roses were blooming and rosemary was going wild outside our door. In freezing weather. And they were gorgeous. I don't know how they were surviving!



The next day started off cloudy, but it did end up getting sunny when we left for breakfast. We went to Allgood Cafe in Deep Ellum. It was all good. And super yummy. Great pancakes.



The gardens were gorgeous. I wished I'd gotten photos, but since it's winter, they probably wouldn't be as nice as the ones on their website. The pool was fantastic. If you were in the pool, then you'd have an "infinity pool" view of the skyline. Awesome.

I loved this place. It was totally my style...I loved that it was a one-of-a-kind place, and not a chain like the Westin or Hyatt, etc. I loved the funky, eclectic style. I grew up in Austin, so that's probably why. :)

It was a fantastic night. And I only sent my neighbor one message asking about the dogs. :)

27 comments:

Anonymous said...

It looks like you had a wonderful time & the hotel looks amazing!

Unknown said...

wow what a sweet husband!

Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...

What a great getaway! I would be so thrilled to have such a fun weekend! (especially the part about the pancakes!)
Carrie

Unknown said...

How nice!! I'm loving that bathtub! And congrats on your anniversary!

Ally's Corner said...

Wow, what a nice surprise.

Kaitlyn said...

Oh, how nice! That looks like a wonderful time, I'm glad you enjoyed it :)

Shell in your Pocket said...

How wonderful..what a great hubby!!! Those are so special...everyone needs a special weekend once in a while!
-sandy toes

Sunny said...

I love hotels, especially boutique hotels like that one. Speaking of Austin - I have a really good friend that lives there that I'm visiting in January. Any good shopping places that you can recommend (like thrifts or "unknowns"?) Your hubs was so sweet to take you on a night out.

Pleasant Living said...

Love the picture post! That was a very thoughtful thing for your husband to do! And so thorough finding someone to care for the doggies! We may have to check that place out!

Jenni said...

That looks like such an amazing place! I am like you, it's much funner to stay somewhere that is unique! (Not a typical chain hotel!)
I think that is so cool that your husband surprised you with a night away! My husband did exactly that for my 30th birthday, and I loved it! :)

I also wanted to say that I think your new header is so cute! I love it! :) I hope you have a great weekend! :)

Lena Liles said...

We are glad you had a good time. Thanks for letting us be a part of your anniversary. Come back soon!
Lena at the Belmont

Anonymous said...

how fun!! and thoughtful of your hubby!!! i am the SAME way when it comes to my dogs!!!!

Candy Allen - Junk Sophisticate said...

Oh, that looks so nice! And what a nice surprise!

Candy

AJ said...

Your hubby is such a sweetie! How nice of him to surprise you. Looks like you had a great time! Great pics of the city! I love city life! I can never get enough of Chicago:)

Mandi @ Sweetly Home said...

What a great suprise!! And what an awesome hotel. I usually stay at those places with the ugly bedspreads and the only view you get is staring out onto the roof. How totally fun for you! I hope you're birthday was good. Sending you belated birthday wishes. Hope you have a great weekend friend!!

Shannon said...

What a great husband! Looks like an awesome place!

Jennifer said...

What an amazing surprise. The hotel looks really beautiful.

Leah said...

That's amazing!!!!

Jessica said...

Happy Anniversary! Looks like you guys had a great time!

Our Complete Family said...

What an awesome hubby you have there girly! Happy Anniversary to you two lovebirds!
Cute pics, looks like a GREAT place!!!
Merry December~ Les

Liz Harrell said...

OH wow. Big points for your hubby! :)

Unknown said...

What a fun weekend and what a sweet hubby for setting it up. I see you grew up in Austin and I like your funky style. We obviously have some of the same taste because we both have the same blog pattern...Jingle Bells! Enjoyed your blog...thanks for sharing.

Lindsey said...

That hotel is incredible!!! Looks like a fantastic time!

Sweet Simplicity said...

What a great surprise! It looks like a great hotel!

Gwen said...

Looks like a great place to spend a romantic weekend!

Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...

Girl, you rock! I am so excited to see those mashed potato recipes in my comments! Thank you thank you thank you! :)
Carrie

Tracy said...

How fun! Totally jealous ; ) That hotel looks gorgeous! What a sweet hubby you have!