LUXURY MEETS HOSPITALITY

Editorial Director Lauren Barisic

The writer Paul Theroux said, “Travel is glamorous only in retrospect.” His words are all the more meaningful now, given that the world is being explored again. Yet the manner in which we are rediscovering has evolved. Sometimes, the journey itself is of the utmost importance. Other times, simply getting to one’s destination alone can be an undertaking worthy of a vacation, making you relish the holiday all the more. Whatever your reason for needing a temporary home away from home, the hospitality industry plays a huge part in any traveler’s stay. While luxurious accommodations are generally associated only with world-class cities and exotic destinations, a handful of Central Valley hotels are turning that notion upside down. Remember, proximity is also a luxury—these hotels hold that card in spades, as the slew of natural attractions across California is undeniably inviting. So, get your wanderlust on! It’s time to unplug and stay where luxury meets hospitality.

The Darling Hotel

559.713.2113 / 210 North Court Street, Visalia, CA 93291 www.thedarlingvisalia.com / @thedarlingvisalia

The Darling Hotel really is, well, darling. Originally an abandoned former Tulare County courthouse annex, the recently transformed boutique hotel still retains its original Art Deco aesthetic in a reimagined fashion to accommodate the tastes, sensibilities, and comforts of the modern patron. Located in the heart of Downtown Visalia, guests are within walking distance of the Visalia Convention Center and a thriving downtown scene. Sequoia National Park is about a 45-minute drive away. Each of the hotel’s 32 rooms and/or suites ranges between 220 to 680 square-feet and is uniquely decorated to reference the 1930s. Elderwood, the city’s only rooftop restaurant and lounge, on the top story of The Darling, looks down upon the vibrant nightlife below and allows patrons to enjoy a meal or cocktails while taking in a panoramic view of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. With indoor and outdoor seating available, the menu is inspired by local, seasonal ingredients that highlight the bounty that Central California has to offer. Guests have access to a fitness center around the clock. The hotel’s pool terrace occupies the southern end of the property and features an outdoor heated pool. Whether you are looking for adventure or a staycation, The Darling embodies the grandeur of a bygone era while offering small-town warmth.