Travel & Experiences at Boutique Hotels and Restaurants Around the World -

5 Colors of Autumn In Boutique Hotels and Restaurants –2024

Colors of autumn are inspired naturally by leaf colors. Most leaves have soothing but fiery warm shades. And we see them mimicked in our everyday lives and things such as coffee and candles… book covers… and hotels too.

And if you’re a visual person, you may appreciate these colors of autumn hotel interiors listed below. Btw, did I mention that I come from an artsy family (my older sister is trained in interior design and my father was an architect)… so, I had no choice but to appreciate art, architecture, and design that was passed onto me in genes.

And as someone who grew up in the world of professional art stores, I appreciate the Pantone color charts, diverse 256-set Crayola crayon sets, paint chip wheels, and even changing up my nail polish chip.

Color undertones helped create a mood that counteracted the lesser parts of being a kid. And colors still please my inner child. 👧🏻

Today it’s even more inspiring to see a pop of color to bring joy to the day. And the fiery ones all around us in fall help us to warm up to the welcomed cooler and transitioning temperatures.

And, these aspiring common boutique hotel comfort and luxury items fit the unique colors of autumn profile… and that’s what I’m talkin’ about! 🎨

Palette Colors of Autumn Aspiration

Rooibos – warm red and brown colors of autumn

A woodsy brown-red from the South African tea. Rooibos that comes in many flavors including chocolate and vanilla is a red tea that doesn’t come from the camellia sinesis tree that green and black teas come from.

One of the my dreamy favorite places in the world (that could be yours too) is Venice, Italy.

I’ve been lucky to have visited twice, once as an adult and once as a child to wet my appetite. And while such a charming and cozy city allows no cars, there’s so much to do and see on foot or boat of choice.

And if you want to be surrounded around warm autumn rooibos and pumpkin colors, cinnamon brown leathers, and moody blues like the nearby canal waters, then this inviting Venice boutique hotel is a regal winner.

You’ll be inspired from the moment you see the bright butternut squash building and exterior wall colors.

Ochre – gold spec bronze color (aka brass)

Brass is the modern decor feature that adds some sassy and brightened flecks of gold sparkle to any interior. And if that’s one of the inspiring colors of autumn to you, then this super cool Pittsburgh boutique hotel with moody warm tones and tech-inspired artwork is a good find you want to check out.

The Heinz ketchup city has grown from the coal mining town it once was. And now the dark meets modern vibes that the city has grown into.

Caramel brown

You can find the changing tree leaf colors in the mountains and Adirondacks. And I came across this is cool fall foliage map that changes as the colors change. And you can change your scenic fall drive weekend to this year’s optimal peak. I would’ve thought it was early October that it once was, but that has all shifted to later in the northern hemisphere. For easy reference, the actual natural fall peak usually is around Halloween when pumpkins glow.

This walking bike path has all the colors of autumn.

Fiery colors like this landscape includes red, orange, yellow, green, blue, brown, and blue next to the Potomac River.

Canary Yellow

Modern canary yellow has a tinge of green to tone down, and is often paired with cooler neutrals like gray. In nature, you see yellow against green like the photo above.

Vintage buildings like those in Under the Tuscan Sun are closer to a yellow mustard than canary or a summer sunflower yellow.

And if natural colors of autumn suit your fancy, if you’re visiting Madrid, then this naturally decorated hotel has green, blue, and browns to mimick nature.

Another hotel that has rich color tones that match its surroundings is this modern hotel that opened circa 2019 against a historic backdrop outside Washington, DC. The colors of autumn there include blue like the Potomac River views, green tree, and brown twigs.

Brick Red

The autumn color of rusty red brick buildings and cobblestone pedestrian streets of Old Town Alexandria make a great backdrop to nature’s changing colors. And this historic area is where there are lotsa good Alexandria eats.

And if you like brick, you can find it in pink, orange, and maroon hues.

You also see lots of dark greens, like this natural ivy cascade found in autumn (amid warmer days and climate change).

Who says there can’t be pastels in colors of autumn? This is nature’s artwork at its finest. Would you agree?

The bridge material is the same color that is used for most of Washington, DC buildings of various marble blends. They are a neutral canvas for this fall Monet impressionist landscape “wall painting” that was captured on the path at Roosevelt Island.

Epic European Eurovision Holiday

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This mossy rock scenery reminds me of landscape from the Eurovision movie. — Rerouting back to nature in Europe

If you want to travel for holiday (as in European holiday) that’s popular in August and Christmas too!… below 👇is a Eurovision singing competition holiday travel suggestion that’s also good for a Christmas in July (or your travel month of choice)…

One of my favorite months is May because that’s when spring really gets into high gear and peony-bright flowers open up and the fresh berries 🍓are ripe! Away from the cold, it’s not too hot yet.

…Plus, I’m reminded because I love the Eurovision movie. The real LIVE singing competition takes place annually in May, so a Eurovision holiday is another reason May is my month! 💕

The movie is about the Icelandic singer duo in the song contest (played by Actor Rachel McAdams from The Notebook or more recently Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret, and hilarious Will Ferrell who doesn’t need a movie reference).

But May month is neither here nor there…

And if you’re feeling the heat today, Iceland could be your cool summer Holiday instead of a Roman Holiday one you may have been planning. In Rome and most of Italy, inside air-conditioning is not always available.

Natural cooling methods are traditionally baked inside the ancient ruins or vespas, and that’s why they escape to the beaches for Ferragosto summer holiday break when stores close down. 🏝️

Soooo… if you prefer cool vibes, Reykjavik, Iceland is a different stride. The Keflavik International Airport is one of my favorites that I’ve seen because it’s a lot like an IKEA with the language signage.

The Northern Lights ceiling theme in other parts of the airport feel like you’re in a silent disco or a moving solar system light experience. I knew I was in for my adventure to Paris when my layover was in this airport with a dramatic ride on a sharp incline where the escalator encased with an arched glass, felt like a ride 🏔️ On the escalator ride up, you could see that part of the airport was cut out and built in between and on rocks like my photo above of the waterfalls.

In Iceland, you can focus your time there in awe over the natural wonders.

Picture yourself against green rolling hills and horses that date back to the Vikings times… Or spend your time by calming mineral-rich water sources… and get wet in the famous Blue Lagoon. 👙

If that’s your mission or destination 🙋🏻‍♀️, you could choose to stay very close to the Blue Lagoon feature that’s also a resort.

Another wonder on your bucket list (or cool-off agenda) could be to check out as many fosses (waterfalls) as you can, or just one or two.

Detifoss is Europe’s most powerful foss curtain of water, that’s more miraculous than any fountain of water. ⛲️

…And after you’ve had your time fill in Iceland, you can build a vacation buffer to stay in vacay mode. With just a hop, skip, and a jump flight, you can continue across the Atlantic to Paris ✈️ (from the U.S. you’re already halfway or more there!).

You can go to Paris, baby! 💋

Why Paris? It’s just so darn cool there!… it’s less busy during summer Holiday (unless it’s 2024 Summer Olympic Year). You can chill and see sights in a slower-paced way after the Tour de France has come and gone.

When you’ve deplaned you can walk to cobblestone Rue Mouffetard and get your smell-o-vision on! Enjoy a French crepe to please your wanderlust desires.

You can find deals in the 5th Arondissement Latin Quarter. Many shops are closed, so less people come to the City of Lights. ⭐️

The natural light at night and twinkling lights all add to the romantic warm vibes that the city is about. ✨

And to mix-it-up, you can go the other route where you start in Paris and end in Iceland. In December, Iceland is just kicking into performing high-gear with long, dark nights and moody Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) shows. It’ll be a nice contrast from the Paris Lights, so you get two experiences in one Eurovision holiday vacation! 🗺️

Hidden Lake George Escape

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If you want to jump in a lake or be near one, a Lake George escape could fit your getaway profile. And what about the idea of staying in a cabin hotel, while being in the bougie meditative mountains? ⛰️

coffee mugs come with rainbows in this Lake George escape view 🌈

Lake George in Bolton Landing is part of the Adirondacks (where the Adirondack chair that you may own is named after). It’s a calming destination if you want to get your zen on and still be around people.

And there’s s’more entertainment… there’s firepit S’mores at night on one end …and by day, a mirror blue Infinity Pool awaits that seems to never end.

Put putt putt golf on the agenda, and pack tennis in between if you choose. And if you need more…

There’s a hidden gem wine shop across the street that you’d probably blast right past if I didn’t point it out. It’s not part of the resort. But another hidden ‘lil secret you may not know is that New York makes some of the best drinking wines.

Most people think California and Oregon are the only producing states for noteworthy drinkable American reds. 🍷

The Adirondack east coast terrain is favorable for vineyards and grapes. So it isn’t just in the drinking water in New York 🗽

Lake Geoge escape with the wine shop across the street — Adirondack Winery – shop across the Sagamore Resort

And staying at the Sagamore, you get these surprise experiences being at a fun resort property, and all the bells and whistles (and often weddng bells). There’s always a Cinderella ball gown or wedding dress event on weekends in case you know anyone who’s looking for a wedding venue. 💍

Hotel del Coronado is the White House hotel on the west coast, and the Sagamore Hotel is the White House experience on the east coast.

Sagamore Hotel lake george escape — Sagamore Hotel Lake George escape to lakefront and mountains

And there’s a fancy restaurant onsite in the main building inside where the hotel rooms are. But you’ll get the real deal vacation experience in the lodge cabin rooms that have a fireplace… and a relaxing stone shower backsplash that’ll remind you of the mountain backdrop from the windows and private balcony. With cabin robes, you can make your meals with a full kitchen and stove. It’s a hotel and a cabin all-in-one.🪵🎉

With all the distractions, you forget there’s a beautiful Lake George lakefront in front of you. As a hotel guest, you can catch a free boat tour on The George on your Lake George escape. 🚤 Now that’s a panoramic escape.

And if you can’t get a reservation at The Sagamore, don’t give up. There’s also a Best Western nearby that have quietyly moved up the hospitality ranks in standards.

And if you’re going to New York’s City that never sleeps, don’t forget to check out the water (😅) and New York Restaurant Week. 🍎

Northern Virginia Lansdowne Spa

…What’s to know about the Northern Virginia Lansdowne Spa (The Insider Scoop)?

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Fairfax is love and Virginia is for lovers ❤️

In the heart of Loudoun County, there is a Northern Virginia Lansdowne spa with roots along the Potomac River. There aren’t many resort spas in the DC metro area where Fairfax is in the middle… and you can count them on one hand, but none are the size of Lansdowne that’s also a place to play golf. I’ll tell you more about the spa scene below…

And if you’re visiting or moving to the Northern Virginia area or considering to do so, you probably want to get this insider scoop to get a lay of the area.

Lansdowne Resort (and golf course) is close to Dulles Airport. And this was where the next tech boom was supposed to happen (they called Netplex, and if you were there in the 90s when Lansdowne was built, you would have breathed that air). That’s where AOL headquarters was and making all the news headlines.

So surprisingly, for such a cultural, affluent, and tech hub-populated area just minutes from the most powerful city in America, there aren’t many big spas around.

Why?

…Many locals have gyms they go to that have pools, steam, and sauna access. Some and many living in the Tyson’s Corner/McLean/Great Falls area especially have personal home spas.

Close by, there are many small boutique spa service stores such as Elizabeth Arden in Reston’s Town Center (that btw, was also a new development in the 90s when the toll road was being built). The Red Door is also in Fairfax, and then you can find smaller spas like Circe or Sugar House Day Spa in Old Town Alexandria or Lorien Spa and hotel I recommend and has a restaurant good for special occasions… but requires taking a drive southeast towards the other side of the Virginia Potomac River.

Northern Virginia Lansdowne spa alternative — Brabo in the Lorien Hotel

But with these few and far between options for a large metro area, there’s a gaping hole for resort-type spas for wellness nearby within a 10-minute drive considering the stressful traffic during rush hour and go-go-go surroundings. You need a massage just to handle the traffic 🫣

If you want to go out further west from Lansdowne, you can visit the luxury Salamander Resort or go more mainstream with a Spa World spa day that seems to be popular with some locals.

In my day spa experience at the Northern Virginia Lansdowne spa, I spent a free day there to recuperate from a busy work season. I’d never tried the spa before and wanted to see if it lived up to its reputation since 1991 when I was far from checking out spas or spa services even though they were all around me. By the late 90s, I was working for Aramark‘s sister property to the Xerox Corporation campus (near Lansdowne) that had about 130,000 sq ft. of conference space and definitely could’ve used a massage. 💆🏻‍♀️

And when I was lucky to be at that spa place, being local I didn’t need a stay, but this resort has rooms and suites you can book and 4 restaurants ranging from country club tavern to golf and poolside eating options… a lot like room service.

So on my weekday visit, I decided to try a facial at the Northern Virginia Lansdowne Spa Minerale. I found the resting room loud (not zen). It was more like sitting at a doctor’s office in a comfy robe and slippers.

But my spa service was good and I bought some one-of-a-spa-kind facial products that didn’t have expiration dates and small bottles that lasted for years. So that was worth the trip alone because spas usually have the better products they’ve researched and tested, and back up their belief by using on their guests.

And afterward, when I got into the spa whirlpool, I felt like a million bucks. I didn’t mind that there were others around because they weren’t chatting.

And if you’re in Northern Virginia and need a nice, economical place to stay, I recommend this newer, boutique hotel style…

You may have discovered this modern color-blocking, exposed ductwork ceiling look in the Aloft brand hotel. The Aloft in Ashburn or Dulles Airport area is close to Leesburg Premium Outlet mall. It’s convenient and they’re sustainable as they do in-room recycling. There’s a WXYZ Bar and a Re:fuel gourmet self-service convenience bar in the lobby in case you need a quick snack. If you like hanging out in airports, you could like this hotel concept.

And if you wanna use or collect your Hilton points, then the Washington Dulles Hilton nearby could be your temp stay hotel place.

My humble hotel work beginnings were at that location.

No Reservations Best Paris Eats

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When you’re in a major city like Paris, bistros and cafes are great for no reservations best Paris eats… that are usually just steps away. PARIS is a walking city full of options, but may not be for all tastes…

You can find these Paris foods prepared and served everywhere: ham, cheese, bread, crepes, croissants, and light salads (plenty o’ photos below so you get a sense)…

If these foods sound good to you, for some/most meals you don’t need to know which cafes or restaurants you’ll drop in… but no matter what your vacation agenda is, I would recommend planning a few named bistro and cafe stops you don’t wanna miss (that btw, still need no reservations!)… and I share some below that didn’t disappoint in food experiences 🍽️

You want to be able to make some food memories in your Paris travels 💕 And remember, most most servers do speak English. And when you have something to say, just first be polite and say, Bonjour! 🇫🇷

…And cafes open early and close later, usually past dinner hours, so relax and enjoy your time there.

In certain months, sunset is past 10 pm (thank you City of Light phenomenon for naturally staying lit up late ✨ So if you’re traveling from U.S. you don’t lose much daylight time even on Day 1 😃 If it’s your first time there, it’s also a city of lights that is well-lit with street lighting and Eiffel Tower lights.

For the food stops you plan in advance but don’t have to be there at any specific time, keep your list simple, short, and sweet. For the other impromptu meals, when you’re hungry, use your senses to look around and read menus.

That makes exploring Paris more fun and enjoyable as you work up to your next snack. And whether you’re alone enjoying the walking city or with others, you can have a great time.

Let’s start with a simple breakfast snack you can get anywhere, like a croissant… this was around the corner from The Five Hotel in Latin Quarter.

This chocolate croissant with cappuccino is good to tie anyone over for a few hours…

Croque Monsieur – this ham and cheese toast (or you can order a Croque Madame with a poached or fried egg) is classic fare. This was across the street from where I was (just sayin’ it’s easy to score a meal like this without any hassle). There are always places to eat near the metro lines all over the city.

A light lemon crepe with my cafe au lait is my choice at this Ile de la Cite cafe (btw, you have to visit and do window shopping at the petite boutiques 🪟 )… that was on a different day than the croissant.

And you may wanna try more than one crepe. Banana and Nutella seem to be a fave, but that’s a little to0 heavy for my liking. I feel like I’ve seen that on a food truck in the States. 💭

Ok… now we get into the fun, like these planned no reservations Paris best eats that add to your trip…

Foie Gras – I’m not one to eat this often (or more than once a millennia),but I thought I’d give it a go as it is a French delicacy like caviar. When in Paris, do as the Parisians do 💋… But that’s completely up to you!.. I’ve had reindeer and whale in Scandinavia, so I’m willing to try anything once.

This was at Au Petit Sud-Ouest, a restaurant with a green awning that I found after my walking visit to the famous Rue Cler street where many food shops and markets are. It’s closer to the Eiffel Tower area and while it does attract visitors, no reservations are needed because it’s not on the busiest street.

you can even try foie gras for great no reservations best Paris eats

Osso Bucco – This is a fall-off-the bone veal shank Italian dish, but when you go to a French restaurant and you see this on the menu… it can be very good… and this one was in Les Halles (near Marais). Sometimes you go off script using your foodie instincts and that becomes a memorable meal. Especially if you’re tired of ham, cheese, and bread.

Both Les Deux Magots or Cafe de Flore in St. Germain du Pres are famous. The famous surrealist artists, and forward-thinking leaders like Picasso, Descartes, Ernest Hemingway, and Jean-Paul Sartre in the early 19th century used to frequent these historical establishments. Since Les Deux Magots is a brasserie, you need a reservation… but not for Cafe de Flore where you watch people go by.

Cafe de Flore is famous and is great for no reservations best Paris eats

And keep in mind, you can get a sandwich anywhere as a quick no reservations best Paris eats option. You’ll run into more Paul Bakery shops (big also in the DMV area) and macarons, than convenient stores. Bon appetit! 💕

18 Old Town Alexandria Restaurant Week Picks

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Alexandria Restaurant Week King St. corner — View from Mia’s on the popular King Street corner (formerly Carluccio’s)

Old Town Alexandria Restaurant Week is a comin’! If you like trying restaurants, fixed price ($35, $45, and $55 to be exact), and easy 2-3 choices, then this is the way to go! And maybe you’re in town and wanna do something foodie exciting… and if you are, these are my picks that you might love! Each left an impression on me and could leave one on you too 😋:

Old Town Alexandria Restaurant Week Restaurants

A La Lucia is on the north side of Alexandria that’s starting to build out closer toward Potomac yards. It’s a small tasty painted place that gets bigger as you enter with a cute restroom (…just sayin’, I notice those details 😉).

Bastille Brasserie and Bar – they started as a small neighborhood restaurant and have turned into a destination restaurant with a name. That’s what good eats and a quaint atmosphere can do. I call this French Alexandria Restaurant Week because the dish titles are

Blackwall Hitch – this is one of the newer restaurants on the waterfront. There’s patio seating options and inside seating great for groups. And plenty of event opportunities. Try it out during Alexandria Restaurant Week and see for ya self. 🎉

Brabo is in the high-end Lorien Hotel both in luxury and location closer to the Masonic Temple. In case you’re not familiar that’s the opposite end from the waterfront where fireworks happen, literally! 🎆

Chart House – closest to the water’s edge, this is a landmark in always because it has been in Old Town forever. But who’s counting?

Cheesetique – in Shirlington Village and Delray, this is a cute place where you’ll find a cute menu that’s good for you and me and a petite mouse. If you need to find a wine gift, you could kill two birds with one stone in one visit!

Clyde’s at Mark Center – with a boating theme, you can visit this restaurant that has a koi pond, and outdoor and indoor seating. I remember it’s open in 1998 (…was a good year in many ways).

Del Ray Cafe – this is a good brunch place (one of my faves) where you can choose from croissants to omelets and steak.

Evening Star – another dynamic Del Ray restaurant and sometimes entertainment establishment, you should visit this great corner spot.

Gadsby’s Tavern – historically this is as old as George Washington and the food is surprisingly revolutionary. Give it a try with a variety of dishes from seafood to chicken and beef, and take in the Historic Alexandria vibes.

Hen Quarter – this is a Southern comfort delight. There’s plenty of seating upstairs and downstairs in this unique restaurant that’s good for gatherings.

Hummingbird – inside the Indigo Hotel that’s becoming a boutique brand-name hotel. This one is new to 2018 and is good if you want to be near the water and in a quieter eating environment where you hear your guests and not the guests around you voicing their fun time!

Mason Social – in the Parker-Gray neighborhood this is a bustling restaurant that has a following. If you’re looking for a friend’s place with delicious appetizers to share, this is a good place to go to.

Rockland’s Barbecue – this is closer to Carlyle area/Duke Street (north end of King Street) barbecue joint that’s like driving up to a garage

The Warehouse – this was surprisingly good upstairs and is fine-dining in food and casual in spirit.

The Wharf – Probably the seafood restaurant with the biggest reputation. Score an outside table and watch the people go by (and they’ll watch you eat your scrumptious meal!).

Union Street Public House – this is a historic landmark near the Christmas Shoppe if you know where that is, on Union Street, and definitely one you want to visit.

Vermillion – A foodie gem that’s known in the area and Old Town Alexandria Restaurant Week could be the perfect reason to eat out and in!

The Best of Spain: Barcelona, Madrid, and Hillside Towns

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I got the best of Spain working in event management in a “foodie” Spanish restaurant chain in DC, and that inspired my vacation to Spain.

Also, the idea that Spain had such a big historical influence on Europe and the rest of the world, like northern Africa.

My suggestion is if you’re going to Spain, do it right and visit the big cities (Madrid and Barcelona) and the hillside towns (Granada, Sevilla, and Cordoba) so you can get a full flavor of the architecture and styles that influenced the world.

Seeing Christopher Columbus’ tomb is a memorable event. I’d seen photos of the Alhambra in Granada as a child (since my architect dad owns hundreds of travel books).

In Barcelona, the freshest fish can be caught right off the Mediterranean Sea. Port Vell is the area where most of the restaurants are that you shouldn’t miss. Skip the tourist traps and go for the real deal seafood if you like fresh Mediterranean salmon.

You’ll taste what fresh really means! Tapas and paella for the most part is like fast food in Spain (that’s popular and delicious in the US).

In Madrid I found memorable the solomillo (tenderloin) with patatas bravas (fried potatoes). In Cordoba, I had salmorejo (gazpacho specialty) that was very unique. Jambon (ham) is famous there, especially the bellota (acorn) ham.

This menu I worked with in the States, is a food and language lesson all in one.

There is so much to see in Spain, that I wouldn’t go for the most expensive hotel. I’d go for a great value hotel that’s city center in Agumar Madrid and Abba Sants Barcelona.

These are the ones I stayed at that were nice and I was happy at.

best of Spain in a warm hotel room — Abba Sants Hotel, Barcelona

At Agumar, even a pleasant hotel chatbot named Velma pops up on the site. While that may be good or bad in some cases, for hotels that are often decades behind in tech, this is a futuristic move up.

If you’re checking out all of Spain, you may not remember the hotels, but you will remember the best of what Spain has to offer, and finding a nice stay will help you enjoy your vacation.

These are some that I would come back to:

Agumar Hotel Madrid

Abba Sants Hotel, Barcelona

Melia Lebreros Hotel (heart of Sevilla or Seville 😊)

cool vibes to enjoy the best of Spain — Melia Lebreros Hotel, Sevilla

If you are charmed by the hillside towns of Spain like Granada, you’ll probably love rooftop views and architecture finds in Bologna, Italy.

New York Restaurant Week 2019 and Hot Hotel Pick

(New York Restaurant Week in the summertime)

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skyline break from new york restaurant week dining out — NYC Skyline

New York Restaurant Week runs until August 16, 2019. A good reason to visit The Big Apple this time of year. You can try a James Beard Award Winner, Union Square Café owned by famous pioneer restaurateur Danny Meyer where you can have a chilled melon soup and brook trout “a la plancha” – a 2 course lunch for $31+. Having had dinner there, they simply take customer service to another level by knowing about their guests…and there’s no tipping allowed (read Danny Meyer’s book “Setting the Table”).

And another one to add to the list is the legendary Tavern on the Green in Central Park. You can have lunch there for $26++ (2-courses) and select an appetizer like refreshing watermelon and feta salad, with plated salmon or chicken kabobs. Dinner for restaurants participating is $42++ (3 courses). It’s one of those places you want to mention to others you went to.

Ian Schrager has a boutique-y hotel with sleek lines and cool vibe hotel lighting you can visit and stay at for a very reasonable rate, especially considering central NYC — in the heart of the City near Washington Square, SOHO, West Village, and whatever your NYC visit is about.

ICYMI, Schrager is the OG credited for putting boutique hotels as a new category on the map. And if that doesn’t strike a chord, he was the original co-founder and owner of “Studio 54” 🪩

The Hudson New York Central Park is a great hotel to stay at for many reasons. It’s a posh and busy hotel (a real see-and-be-seen type hotel), decorated and designed by world-renowned Philippe Starck. I love his clear stackable acrylic chairs that make the space seem light and airy. The weightless chairs come in fun colors are inspired by the hotel decor (and were in my stay in this Paris posh hotel I stayed at).

The lobby is very cheery with some brick walls and neon color lights and chandeliers, and a dramatic escalator leading to the lobby. The hotel is a great value in the location that it is, next to Central Park. It’s so close to Central Park which is one of my favorite parks… so peaceful and beautiful with the horse-drawn carriages lined up. I’ve taken one of those and it’s romantic. You can even get a New York-style pretzel right there in Central Park to top off your visit.

The only downside is that the standard room is 150 square feet shoebox size (and really meant for just one person or someone you know intimately, like a spouse or a good friend). Don’t let that turn you off, because it’s still worth every penny.

You save money and if you’re in NYC on a mission like trying the trendiest restaurants during NYC restaurant week, shopping, or visiting touristy sites, then you spend very little time in your room other than to sleep and shower. But yes, in a room this size you’ll probably bump into each other on the way to the closet or the bathroom and shelf space, which is all this room has.

My sister and I made a great stay of it because we were able to “bond” sitting on the bed and talking about our lives. But there are I think 8 or 9 sizes and styles of room, including a suite option that’s 450 square feet. Of the two times I’ve stayed there, it has been the best value. August always has good deals for under $200, which is amazing for the great location.

And they make wonderful drinks that you can sit in many areas to enjoy including the Lobby Bar and there’s a lobby library lounge that you can sit at also if you want to work on your laptop or chat on the phone without many others around. They are run by a group that is known for very modern chic hotels. I stayed at one in South Beach, Miami, Florida called the Mondrian.

In Miami, this is cutting edge with avant-garde room artwork with a Japanese cartoon girl’s face on one of the transparent walls separating the living area from the bedroom. And the pool was amazing along the Biscayne Bay in South Beach. Just trying to paint a picture of their brand and what it’s like to stay at another property. You feel very trendy on the trendy side of town but that’s less touristy than some of the Beach Week hotels where word gets around (like the famous 24-hour News Cafe restaurant).

Back in NY vibes, if you want to check out less touristy neighborhoods with a food scene, try Hell’s Kitchen district, but don’t let the name scare you. Or maybe you are curious because of the Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen food show.

There you are close to the best shopping in the city. And just a short subway or cab ride from the busiest Apple store and largest FAO Schwartz I’ve ever been to. My sister and I like to make a girl’s weekend getaway out of it. You are close to Time Square where all the crowds are. And you can people watch at the now very popular Bryant Park.

We go in the August summer usually when the US Open tennis match is advertised everywhere. It’s often New York Restaurant Week in the Big Apple. We’ve tried a few “foodie” New York restaurateur restaurants owned by David Burke (BTW, he has a restaurant that has a great rooftop seating view of One World Trade Center) and Joe Bastianich (aka related to Lidia Bastianich and Eataly) restaurants in great neighborhoods like Greenwich Village.

Paris Neighborhoods 101 (Perfect for a Solo or First Visit)

…and Paris neighborhoods you don’t want to miss out on!

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The Eiffel Tower is one of the most sought out Paris neighborhoods for obvious reasons

If you are like me, you’re not afraid of going to exciting places with cultures where they don’t speak your native language. And as a solo person or a first-time visit. It’s the vibe of the modern traveler who enjoys trying, tasting, and seeing new places. 👀

Paris is one of these great exploring cities. It’s a great walking city, and flooded with tourists and visitors who don’t speak french. Walking from the Arc de Triomphe to the Eiffel Tower is exciting.

My favorite is walking through posh neighborhoods like Saint Germain du Pres, and having a cafe.

One of the nicest neighborhoods is St. Germain du Pres in the 6th arondissment

And then visiting Ile Saint Louis, Sacre Coeur, and walking through the Tuileries Gardens (not necessarily in that order ;-). And you’ll want to know how to get an inside look at best food options with no reservations (great if you don’t like to plan!).

And of course, with so many Paris neighborhoods (arrondissements), you want to know where in stay…

If you want to save money, near the Latin Quarter (close by to Sorbonne University and Luxembourg Gardens), you can achieve that. I stayed at the coolest vibe boutique hotel, The Five Hotel. The shower had different lights. Each of the rooms were painted different colors, like this teal color room…

I was kinda intrigued by the black painted room and actually moved out of the beige room (too boring for me!). I like the cuh-lahs! And I had a beautiful view of the courtyard.

The best feature of the hotel is that they will hold your bags for you for FREE. This is convenient if you’ve checked out and still want to explore the city before you have to leave. Wifi worked great in the room and I could Facetime without hiccup 😊

Their service was exemplary and I left a tip for the maid as I felt the room was cared for. When I got back home and realized I left my small personal pillow behind, I wrote them and they wrote back that they found the white pillow and could ship it back to me. Most short-stay venues wouldn’t be that thoughtful.

Latin Quarter is one of the Paris neighborhoods you should check out and maybe stay at

each room is unique and exciting to enter…

Romantic Venice Hotel Recommend

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Want a great romantic Venice hotel recommend for couples? Keep reading…

Well, first of all, I’m a bit of a hotel “snob.” But not in the way you think. I just like good-value hotels. The first hotel I worked for and would recommend back then, was a Renaissance Hotel with a fine dining restaurant, banquet rooms, and a 70s-style disco lounge (Zodiac Club) near Washington Dulles Airport when I was in my 20s.

That was quite an experience. Not only did they have great Easter brunches in the hotel restaurant, but they also had regular locals who came into the unique lounge bar with silver decorated wallpaper.

And big clubby chairs where I served beverages I’d never even heard of! That ambiance got me excited enough to get myself going in the hotel catering sales business as my first career, in several DC area hotels.

Fast forward to now, I love hotels and staying in nice hotels. They don’t have to be super ritzy, they just have to have some character, of course be clean, and just be nice.

A place that is memorable, not a cookie cutter room hotel. Just a little north of the “Renaissance” region of the world in Florence, Italy, up in Venice, Italy, there’s a little hotel that I found that we stayed at on a travel excursion years ago. Ca’Gottardi was really charming, perfect for a romantic getaway for couples and a perfect romantic Venice hotel recommend.

We recommended this hotel to friends who also stayed for their anniversary. I hope to hear that they are still a good hotel find and a great Venice hotel recommend.

Our room looked like this one, in the heart center of Venice (a romantic hotel recommend).

Ca’Gottardi breakfast for hotel guests

Ca’Gottardi had good value compared to other hotels located in the same central area. It was right in the middle of Venice, convenient to St. Marco Square which was what of the main benefits. It also had a fabulous continental breakfast that I still remember to this day.

They had a buttery croissant and fruit, typical of European continental breakfast, but this was served to us, and that just made my day. That’s when we were trying out $26 Bellini’s at the famous Harry’s Bar.

Venice is doable in 2-3 days and actually you can walk along the entire canal in one day. So if you just have one day in Venice it’s worth it. But you want to build in time to look at shops and take a gondola ride.

There’s an almost-FREE gondola that can take you across the canal (there are two canal sides) for less than 1 euro (it was the equivalent to 50 cents when I was there).