The first mise-en-scene that drew me in was filled with mantiques that mesmerized me. There was a suit of armor, a comfortable vintage Palm Springs velvet-covered sectional that looked exotic because pillows were made from Moroccan bridal shawls. Placed on white-lacquered hexagonal cocktail table were Adler’s own handmade bowl and vases, giving setting a high gloss glamour. When I looked up at ceiling a loopy glass Vistosi chandelier from 1960s hung overhead. It was all playfully chic and reminiscent of bygone times when Elvis and Ann-Margaret partied together.

Party and fun are operative words for this place. The rest of lobby was exuberant with a “rich hippie” mix with two Edwardian-style sofas draped in embroidered suzanis from Uzbekistan, and a latte-colored rug that had an exaggerated Moroccan pattern. The terrazzo-topped table looked like a souvenir from a souk. Gio Ponti’s walnut chairs and a geometric brass chandelier also from '60s mixed and matched with panache of incomparable Italian elegance. There was a fully stocked lobby jeweled mini bar with Lucite bar stools and an inviting bartender that couldn’t wait to show off his magnificent array of martini blends. A free standing fire pit anchored back party lounge that was complete with a round seating area. The room was sexy and shaped with gorgeous curves in all right places. “Latin-moderne” string draperies and lacquered floor lamps were big, bold and beautiful. Swinging in one of wicker chairs that hung from ceiling made me look like a blast from past.

The décor at Parker engaged my mind and sensibilities to see my surroundings with new eyes.

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Janice Wilson, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

Janice Wilson, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

7. Play car games. A favorite of ours is ‘Cops and Vette’s’. One point is given for every police car spotted and two points are given for Corvette’s. But if you call a car and it’s not correct then you deduct points. It even helps to spot that hidden police car before he spots you!

8. Bring plenty of pillows and blankets. Children are more likely to sleep in car if they are comfortable.

9. If you plan to stay somewhere overnight before traveling next day, pack everything you need for night in one bag. That way when you get to hotel you don’t have to unload whole car. I buy biggest Ziploc bags I can find and put my children’s clothes in them and write their name on it. Then I only take what is needed.

10. Check hotels to see if they offer free breakfast. Our favorite hotel to stay in is Holiday Inn. Kids stay and eat free. If we arrive at hotel in evening, they can eat dinner for free and then breakfast next morning. Once again it saves on costs, especially if you pack your own lunch.

I hope these tips help you on your next road trip.