Washington D.C. cherry blossoms

Although it’s difficult to imagine spring being anywhere close, with much of the U.S. in the grips of a harsh winter …. there is hope.

With warmer weather right around the corner, it’s time to plan for a spectacular annual event – the return of the cherry blossoms to Washington D.C.

This famous event has long been a remarkable piece of D.C. history. The National Cherry Blossom Festival®, highlights the annual blooming of the thousands of cherry trees along the Tidal Basin and elsewhere in the Nation’s capital.

Featuring 415 rooms and luxury suites, The luxury Fairmont Washington, D.C. is celebrating the approaching spring with its signature Cherry Blossom Package.

The hotel’s the Cherry Blossom Package is available to guests from March 25 through April 15, 2011.

The Fairmont Washington, D.C. will offer overnight accommodations for two in a luxurious guestroom, plus complimentary valet parking and a box of assorted note cards featuring scenes of the capital’s monuments and Cherry Blossoms by celebrated Washington, D.C. photographer Jake McGuire.

The Fairmont Washington, D.C courtyard

This 2011 Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the 99th anniversary of 3,000 Yoshino cherry trees that were presented to the City of Washington by the Mayor of Tokyo, as a “memorial of national friendship between the United States and Japan.”

This year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival will be held on Saturday, from March 26 through Sunday, April 10, 2011.

Rates for the Cherry Blossom Package begin at just $229 per night and is based on double occupancy and availability. This package is not applicable to group bookings of ten or more, nor able to be combined with other promotions or special rates. Rates do not include tax or gratuities.

The Fairmont Washington, D.C. is conveniently located at 2401 M Street, NW, near the finest museums, theaters (including the Kennedy Center), shopping and dining.

To make reservations or get additional information on the wonderful Fairmont Washington, D.C. Cherry Blossom Package or other Fairmont properties, please call 202-429-2400 or visit www.fairmont.com/washington

Santé restaurant – Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

Located in luxurious Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, the signature dining room at Santé was recently graced with the coveted Michelin star for the second year in a row in the new Michelin Guide San Francisco, Bay Area & Wine Country 2011.

Santé has earned a national reputation for outstanding food. Literally meaning “to your health,” the Santé restaurant is a celebration of both innovative California cuisine and good taste.

Santé was proud to be named by Michelin along with an elite group of just 44 Bay Area restaurants as the “best of the best.”

Fine dining guests at Santé can enjoy a superb seasonal menu, in a warm and casual, yet stylish setting.

In the spirit of offering a premium and elegant California wine country experience, Santé Chef Andrew Cain masterfully presents the wine rich region’s abundant local products and world-famous wines.

The restaurant’s Sonoma-centric wine list features a wide variety of boutique, limited production varietals and perfect pairings to complement Chef Cain’s works.

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, is located 40 miles north of the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge at 100 Boyes Blvd. in Sonoma Valley, the heart of Northern California’s wine country.

To make a reservation at Santé, please call 1-800- 441-1414 or (707) 938-9000, or visit the Inn’s website at www.fairmont.com/sonoma