#conciergechoice

[lifeismagnifique]

In honor of Veteran’s day, be sure to stop by DC’s beautiful monuments along the National Mall this November! Honor our US veterans by visiting the World War II memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, DC War Memorial, and the Korean War memorial, all within easy walking distance from one another. Don't miss the  black granite wall On the south side of the Korean War memorial - Its polished surface mirrors the statues, intermingling the reflected images with the faces etched into the granite. #dc #veteransday #koreanmemorial #sofiteldc #dc #conciergechoice

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ROOM TO LIVE

The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (MOCA) is the only museum in LA devoted exclusively to contemporary art. It has always been one of our favorite places which is no wonder, as it has developed one of the nation's most renowned permanent collections. Right now we are excited about the show "Room To Live", that takes a peek into the collection to show off new, big works to the city, many of which are being shown for the first time. Organized by Curator Bennett Simpson, the exhibition will include works in painting, sculpture, photography, installation, video, and slide-projection - large in size and impact. Don't miss it! 

[lifeismagnifique]

TENNIS IN THE CITY

Who else is excited that the US Open Tennis Championships are only days away? The US Open men's singles draw was revealed Thursday, placing top seed Novak Djokovic in the same half as defending champion Andy Murray and former winner Juan Martin del Potro. In the other half, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer could meet in the quarterfinals. We wish all of the tennis fans and athletes staying with us a magnifique two weeks!

[lifeismagnifique]

A VISIT TO THE OPERA

The grandeur of opera—its unforgettable music, stellar performers, and lavish scenery and costumes— is celebrated with “A Night at the Opera”, the new exhibition at Library of Congress. Our Concierge note that you'll be able to see a rarely displayed collection of manuscripts and printed scores, librettos, photographs, correspondence and set designs, dating from the late 18th century through the beginning of the 20th century. How magnifique! 

Image c/o Let’s tessellate via Tumblr on We Heart It: http://whrt.it/1dslNHk

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HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD!

Looking for a magnifique way to make use of the weekend sunshine? Our concierge recommends taking in the view from behind the Hollywood Sign via the Brush Canyon Trail. Best of all, the trail is only a short drive from Sofitel LA!

[lifeismagnifique]

MIAMI OLD AND NEW

So many wonderful discoveries can be found around the Miami Design District. A great mix of old and new with many of the buildings incorporating original architecture and interiors into new builds, like these tiles from the 1950’s. A #conciergechoice for design finds, put the Miami Design District on your list.

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MIAMI'S JAPANESE GARDEN

This image is of the pavement at Ichimura Miami Japanese Garden, one of our favorite small finds and perhaps one of the least known but oldest sights in Miami. Well known landscape architect Lester Collins Pancoast and architect Thorn Grafton worked cooperatively with the Japanese Consul and The Friends of the Japanese Garden to redesign and reconstruct the Ichimura Miami-Japan Garden to this new location on Watson Island (the garden and its history goes all the way back to 1957). The Garden is open during the day for public gathering, classes, cultural exchange and passive enjoyment. A little oasis of calm and a favorite #conciergechoice when visiting Miami.

[lifeismagnifique]

MoMA MONDAY

The portraiture of Henry Taylor is one of favorite recent finds at MoMA, just up and around the corner from Sofitel NYC. His subjects include friends, relatives, acquaintances from the art world and off the street, and heroes from the worlds of sports and politics. Magnifique art was never so close….