I have now been the Kananaskis Lodge twice now and both experiences were quite different. We really enjoy going during our anniversary as it’s shoulder season, yet the road conditions are still good enough. This resort is always picture perfect, so we love taking photos of it to match some local postcards.
The room was actually the same as the last time, but reversed layout. So, it was a familiar stay which I enjoyed, like an old friend. Once you oepn the door, you’re into the bathroom sink area, and through the sink area would be that main bathroom with the tub and toilet.
The room is always spacious for 2 people, but I can see it being comfortable for a family, and still big enough with a group of friends. The bathroom situation would be a little strange sometimes if you’re with a group of friends, but if you’re close enough to stay in the same room, you’re good!
Overall, our stay was wonderful as always. Hospitality was impeccable and the food was top notch. I’m sure another anniversary down the road we would be back! It’s a nice quiet and remote location, yet has enough things to do, especially if you enjoy the outdoors.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Kananaskis Lodge
1 Centennial Drive
Kananaskis Village, Alberta
Chong Fat – Calgary, Alberta
We’ve been going to this little noodle place for years, and I’ve actually never knew the name of Chong Fat as we had a nickname for them… which directly translates to “big bowl of noodles”. But, because this place is usually opened only during lunch hours, I’ve been having a harder time to get to, but everytime we make it in there, we love it!
My favourite to order is their Fish Ball noodle soup and as odd as it sounds, they make these balls in house so they’re amazing! They pretty make everything in house which I love. We’ve never had a bad meal here. Sure, the place is a little bit “dirtier”, but the food will make you forget about that.
One of our friends went to Hong Kong, and she thought she was ordering a “Horlick”, which isn’t something avvailable in Canada. With her Chinese being kind of poor… she ended up with a Hot Lemon Coke. We always wanted to try it, so when we found it on this menu… we ordered it. It is exactly like how you’d imagine it to be… a coke, hot.. with lemon. I wouldn’t say it’s bad, but I wouldn’t order it again.
The last thing we ordered is Beef Stew noodle soup which has been an all time favourite for any restaurant and even homemade. It was pretty amazing here as well!
Overall, we love this place. Parking can sometimes be challenging, but we always seem to luck out, or come really early. Otherwise, just pay for parking. Food here is worth it!
Chong Fat
132 -3rd Avenue S.E.
Calgary, AB
(403) 261-5710
Peking Ginger Restaurant – Canmore, Alberta
We were having family in Canmore for a family function, so we decided to scope out some Chinese restaurants to make sure they’re worthy of bringing family there. One of our stops was the Peking Ginger right on Bow Valley Trail. Parking wasn’t too bad as it there was a little parking lot in front of the restaurant, which was a strip plaza.
Once we sat down, we ordered their fried rice, which they called Special Fried Rice, and it was pretty standard. I am very bias to fried rice as I have yet to find a place that makes fried rice as good as my uncles… so, if it’s “good”, it’s probably quite good. Although standard is standard, this fried rice was good! Simple things needs to be done perfectly.
The other dish we ordered, I quite enjoyed and Peking Ginger calls this dish Hot and Sour Soup with Sizzling Rice and this was pretty unique. What they do is basically bring out sizzling hot rice on an iron board and dunk it in hot and sour soup. As odd as it sounds, I really enjoyed this dish!
We had a pretty enjoyable lunch at this location. It was quite quiet when we went, but the food and service was pretty good. There was parking outside, which worked for us. We only needed one spot anyway.
Peking Ginger Restaurant
1702 Bow Valley Trail
Canmore, AB
(403) 678-3365
Fairmont San Francisco Bombay Suite – San Francisco, California
We had a layover in San Francisco, which was strategically planned such that we can work in an overnight at this beautiful hotel, and book an afternoon tea at their location. The location is quite convenient from BART, which brought us in from the airport. It is a short hike to the hotel, but it is uphill all the way.
We got checked into a suite, as requested – and we got their Bombay Suite which was a beautiful suite with a balcony that has a wonderful view.
Once you walk in the door, you’re in the living space, with a desk on the left with fresh ice in the ice bucket.
The living space is pretty spacious and under the TV has the stocked minibar, with complimentary tea and coffee. There’s a balcony that opens up off this room and we spent most of our night out there with their patio furniture enjoying our view.
In a separate room offers the bed and bathroom. We did upgrade to a room with a King bed, and once they switched us to a suite… the king bed was gone, which was too bad. I think the suite would be better with a larger bed. Regardless, the bed was very comfortable and the sheet set was as well!
The bathroom was quite standard, it didn’t have the wow factor, but yet we don’t spend the same amount of time in this room. It’s practical and functional, so that’s all that really matters. There are 2 Fairmont robes behind the door that we were able to use during our stay. We definitely took advantage of it too!
Overall, our stay was quite enjoyable, and it was our pleasure to experience this hotel. One of the most memorable part of this stay was their turn down service – they tucked in my stuffed animal and placed a post card of the hotel in the suite. Although I already purchased a post card, this one is definitely staying in my collection!
Fairmont San Francisco
950 Mason Street
San Francisco, CA
USA
415-772-5000
Mandalay Bay – Las Vegas, Nevada
I’ve always loved going to Las Vegas especially experiencing new hotels. This time, I found myself checked in at Mandalay Bay, and the hotel is beautiful. The resort is absolutely beautiful but I wished the staff was friendlier as i had an incident with them, and they didn’t seem to value my experience.
The room was very nice and spacious. The bed was a king size bed and really comfortable. It was a great hotel to lounge at after a long day in Vegas!
The room offered only a bit of storage area, but had lots of space in general and seating area. It’s a lovely room with a stocked mini bar.
The bathroom was very impressive, it was large, tiled, and offered a separate toilet area. There’s a double sink, a stand up shower and a soaker tub.
This bathoom even has a TV in the room so you won’t miss anything on TV when you’re winding down in the tub.
Overall, the experience was quite pleasurable. We enjoyed the beautiful lobby, the pool area looks nice – although it was not opened during my stay. The complimentary flavoured water in the lobby was really a nice touch as well.
Mandalay Bay
3950 S Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV