Checking In :: The Greens Hotel

It's hard to justify doling out money to stay in a hotel in your hometown, but I'm seriously tempted to do so for the Greens Hotel. Located 10 minutes of Downtown Sacramento, the Greens features 27 guest rooms chock-full of furnishings from the nearby Limn, which specializes in modern designs from the likes of B&B Italia, Philippe Starck, Antonio Citterio and Charles and Ray Eames. Rates range from $119 to $199. Now I just have to pick a date!

Checking In :: Le Parker Méridien Palm Springs

A couple years ago I spent a few days at the Le Parker Méridien Palm Springs, and to-date it was the most amazing hotel experience I've ever had. Designed by NY-based ceramist Jonathan Adler, the 13-acre property is bright, swanky and loaded with things to do. In fact, there's very little reason to step off the property as it boasts four European red clay tennis courts, four pools, an 18-hole golf course, a spa, a lemonade stand, two restaurants, croquet and pentanque.

Don't know how to play pentaque? No need to worry, instructions on "How to Play Pentaque like a Frenchmen" are provided and, according to the informational sheet "staff is available to settle disputes, provide copies of the official rules, and offer additional libations."

The interior of the hotel features a '60s décor mixed with Peruvian wall hangings, Middle Eastern leather ottomans, a medieval knight and, not surprisingly, Adler's ceramic works and needlepoint pillows.