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Cupid Concierges
By : Chanize Thorpe
This Valentine's Day, scrap that old dinner-and-a-movie idea. Instead, take some advice from a hotel concierge who'll reveal preferred spots. These natural date planners are experts in designing a night to remember when you're in town.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Cupid Concierge: Robert Lowe, who has 20 years under his belt, continues to dedicate himself to bringing the magic back to "N'Awlins."
Home Turf: Windsor Court, a regal retreat that draws both royalty and rock stars, and sits one block (yet worlds away) from the frenetic energy of the French Quarter.
Hot Plates: Try the Cajun King Martini, crawfish chowder and crab cakes with Choron sauce at the Bombay Club just off Bourbon Street.
Cool Tunes: Jazz, of course! "I send guests to Frenchmen Street, where there are six clubs in a two-block span. Snug Harbor is an institution, with live music every night from folks like the legendary pianist Ellis Marsalis," says Lowe.
Boston, Massachusetts
Cupid Concierge: Mirko Bissetta, a concierge who made his own love connection with the city after he moved here with his wife five years ago.
Home Turf: The Liberty Hotel, a former stone-and-brick jail overlooking the Charles River. After a multimillion-dollar restoration effort, it's not only an original idea, it brings a mysterious touch to a hotel stay.
Ice-Capades: Head to Boston Common's Frog Pond, which transforms from wading pool to ice-skating playground in the winter months. It's a fun activity for the novice or experienced skater. Add a mug of hot chocolate and it's a night to remember.
Indoor Eden: An underrated, romantic spot is the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. A Venetian-style palazzo surrounds an interior garden that blooms year-round. Music performances are offered in the Tapestry Room gallery, and on their way there, couples can stroll by Botticelli and Rembrandt paintings.
Nevis, The West Indies
Cupid Concierge: Vanessa Paris' extensive knowledge of the island and its history, plus 18 years in the hospitality business, have earned her the title of assistant chief concierge.
Home Turf: Four Seasons Resort Nevis, the island's premier luxury and family-friendly resort, and where Kelly Ripa brought her entire brood for a fun-filled vacay.
Oh, Bee-Have: You must try the spa treatments and facials featuring warm Nevisian honey. How sweet is that?
A Sweet Spot: The 18th-century Montpelier Plantation Inn has converted its old sugar mill into a restaurant that can be privately booked for two. The candlelit stairway leads to your table, where many marriage proposals have taken place.
Dallas, Texas
Cupid Concierge: Bill Kennedy, a member of the prestigious Les Clefs d'Or since 1978, has been a chief concierge for more than two decades.
Home Turf: The recently renamed Rosewood Crescent Hotel, one of Dallas' most decadent digs, is within walking distance of the city's arts and culture enclave.
Perfect Panorama: Cocktails at the private Crescent Club are a must-do, as this elegant lounge has the most breathtaking skyline views in the city.
Love Notes: Go to The Music Hall at Fair Park for a production of Puccini's La Bohème. It's hailed by some as the most romantic opera of all time.
Miami, Florida
Cupid Concierge: Cristian Avila, a connoisseur of all things au courant who specializes in guiding guests to hip hot spots.
Home Turf: The Setai, the super swank South Beach hotel that's hosted the likes of U2, Madonna and Jay-Z.
Sail Away: Avila can arrange for guests to spend the evening on a private yacht with a personal chef on board. After a muscle-melting massage from the onboard therapist, how about Champagne and dessert served under the stars?
A Natural High: "I'd recommend a tram tour and picnic at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, which has 83 acres filled with fragrant flowers, native and rare varieties of plants, palms and butterflies," says Avila.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cupid Concierge: British-born Justin Dickinson makes paying attention to detail his No. 1 priority, whether it's a small task like making dinner reservations or arranging a surprise evening marriage proposal.
Home Turf: Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue, a restored National Landmark in the heart of the downtown area.
Haute Havana: Save the Philly cheesesteak for another day and head to Alma de Cuba for contemporary Cuban cuisine, like sweet corn empanadas and Oysters Rodriguez. It has a great atmosphere, as well.
A Regal Ride: A horse-drawn carriage ride through the Colonial and beautifully restored Society Hill area is super romantic, and is a natural opportunity to snuggle up. The carriages can be found at Fifth and Chestnut streets, next to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
Aruba, Netherland Antilles
Cupid Concierge: Rosalinda Franken, an elite planner coordinator who enjoys introducing guests to local favorites on this 20-mile-long island.
Home Turf: The revamped Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, fronting popular Palm Beach and the breathtaking Caribbean Sea.
Dance, Dance Revolution: You'll be amazed at the Havana Dance show at the Crystal Theater. It's like a Latin American version of the Rockettes, with great music, colorful costumes and lots of dancing.
Boatloads of Fun: Take a romantic sunset sail on the Mi Dushi ship, built in 1925. Make sure you have an Aruba Ariba drink on this happy-hour cruise that takes you around the island's coast.
Chicago, Illinois
Cupid Concierge: Timothy Samples introduces lovebirds, both old and new, to his hotel's new Holidates program, where they receive the indulgent "Wooed in the Windy City" package filled with massages, chocolate cake and a sexy Kama Sutra turndown service.
Home Turf: The Fairmont Chicago, one of the city's classic hotels, is steps away from shopping on the Magnificent Mile and overlooks Millennium Park.
Great Grapes: For a fun, different thing to do, sample some exquisite chocolate and artisanal cheeses paired with fruity reds and crisp whites at Eno, a local wine bar.
Unreal Estates: "I highly recommend the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio tour. It's off the beaten path… so many people miss out on this authentically local experience," says Samples. "It's 30 minutes from downtown, in the heart of Oak Park, where the homes' architectural designs are captivating."
How To Get There: American Eagle provides service to the cupid concierge location of your choice.
Book your trip today! Visit www.aa.com, call American/American Eagle reservations at 1-800-433-7300, or call your travel agent for more information.
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