Where To Go Next - June 16, 2008 - Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant
New Slant On An Old Gambit - By Rich Steck & Judi Janofsky -
Boy, you know that "times they are a-changing" when a hotel recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of the Historic Hotels of America promotes a way to test the potential of a burgeoning relationship. They suggest a kind of upscale one nightstand, calling it a "Holidate - where a last minute date can be more than dinner and a goodnight kiss!"
The simple entrance to the Casa Marina retains the look of the 20s.
With perhaps a little unintended double entendre in their slightly tongue-in-cheek approach, here's what the hotel proposes:
"The Casa Marina Hotel and Restaurant [Jacksonville Beach, Florida] is a perfect destination for a Holidate. With couples interested in traveling together early in their new relationship, testing their compatibility and doing out of the ordinary things together, this historic oceanfront hotel offers more than just a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean. Planning a simple getaway puts a relationship to the test immediately.
Beachfront dining is a Casa Marina speciality.
"The Casa welcomes guests with a one-night 'package' getaway to relax and perhaps fall in love. Located directly on the ocean where guests rise early to watch the radiant morning beach sunrise, ending the day upstairs in the Penthouse to savor the last glorious colors of an evening sunset, the Holidate season is offered Sunday night or Wednesday night for a very unique date "Let the Casa Marina be the first photos in your love story album!"
The offer is a bit titillating, but actually makes a lot of sense if looked at in terms of today's liberal approach to dating. The Casa Marina's "Holidate" provides a kind of early litmus test for relationship compatibility.
It's offered on Sundays, with a lavish brunch, a romantic day at the beach and an overnight in the hotel's Parlor Suite. Or on Wednesdays with live music and dancing on the verandah, icebreaker cocktails and tapas, more dancing and a sleepover in a Parlor Suite. Either package is $139 for two (tax and gratuity additional) from now thru September 1st.
A reasonable investment wouldn't you say?
And what a lovely place to test the waters. The Casa Marina Hotel, opened in the roaring 20s and just recently carefully refurbished, has 23 bedrooms and parlor suites, individually decorated to represent the distinctive styles of its dazzling history. Its salon-inspired restaurant is reminiscent of oceanfront fine dining world wide. Both the hotel and restaurant bring a feeling of classic, timeless glamour from the 1920's, a blend of history, natural beauty and sophisticated culture. It has remained a fascinating landmark of Florida history.
The hotel's pundits claim: "There have been many forgotten moments in the vast drama of the 1920's, but the mystery of the Casa Marina is that she must have seen it all."
The Casa Marina's dining room reflects the elegant times of the Roaring 20s.
And still does, apparently.
For a glimpse of what makes the Casa Marina special, check in here. www.casamarinahotel.com
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