STAY
Kansas City,Missouri
Historic Hotel President reopens after 25-year shutdown and $45 million remodel
The historic Hotel President in downtown Kansas City is open once again, and renamed the Hilton President Kansas City, after being closed for 25 years and a $45 million renovation. The President opened in 1926, and its Drum Room attracted entertainers such as Frank Sinatra, Benny Goodman and Harry Houdini. The hotel is next to the $4 billion Power & Light District, expected to be completed late this year. The 1928 Republican National Convention, which nominated Herbert Hoover for president, was held at the hotel, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. Rates from $134 per night. Hilton President Kansas City, 1329 Baltimore Ave., 816-221-9490, hilton.com
LISTEN
England London
St. Martin-in-the-Fields even more worthy of having praises sung since renovation
We’ve heard the praises of cheap, or even free, music at St. Martin-in-the-Fields sung again and again, but with a major renovation of the 18th-century crypt below the historic church underway, the phrase bears repeating. The cafe kitchen, gift shop, gallery and Brass Rubbing Centre will be moved to a new building below the courtyard, providing more room for diners and better access to the shops. The first sign of improvement in the basement was a much-appreciated bank of new restrooms. St. Martin’s is an active Church of England parish but is best known for its extraordinary music program. Listen for free at 1 and 5 p.m. on Wednesdays or 1 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, or pay up to 20 pounds for evening performances. St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, Leicester Square and Embankment Tube stops, smitf.org
DINE
Boston, Massachusetts
Hamersley’s Bistro approaches its 20th
year of South End restaurant excellence
It’s easy enough to understand why the husband-and-wife team of Gordon and Fiona Hamersley have such a winner in Hamersley’s Bistro, their charming namesake South End restaurant. Approaching its 20th year, this extraordinary restaurant represents the confluence of Old World New England coziness and the Gallic charm of a country bistro. Three things should never be removed from the menu: lobster and fennel tart, grilled skirt steak with blue cheese and hazelnut butter, and a souffléd lemon custard dessert. The rectangular, high-ceilinged room is a delight, but later this spring the spacious patio becomes an al fresco dining delight. Hamersley’s Bistro, 553 Tremont St., 617-423-2700, hamersleysbistro.com
SEE
Charleston, South Carolina
Spoleto Festival introduces new talent, brings variety of arts over two weeks
For the 30th year, Spoleto Festival USA will bring two weeks’ worth of theater, dance, music and opera to Charleston. Famous for having been where many performers first got noticed – including Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax – Spoleto this time will be held May 26 through June 11, with performances of Savion Glover’s “Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk,” the Westminster Choir, the opera “Roméo et Juliette” and the premiere of “Geisha.” Tickets range from $10 to $110. Spoleto Festival USA, 843-579-3100, spoletousa.org
– Denver Post staff and wire reports
