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

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).

National Cathedral Lights (An Unconventional Church)

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national cathedral lights that are unconventional features for the church

The National Cathedral lights up as one of the unconventional features, considering it’s the nation’s national cathedral and church. And it’s one I call home so I know it intimately.

During the year you can find it lit up with all kinds of surprises during the holidays and local impromptu events like the Washington Nationals taking home the win. ⚾️

You can still see the traditional Ex Nihilo tympanium scene lit up, where God breathed in earth (and light) out of nothing…

And in the day it’s all lit up through the stained glass windows. And to kids, the National Cathedral is known for its stain glassed space window that’s easy to find inside and the obscure Darth Vader grotesque that’s hard to find on the exterior. In case you’re wondering, that was a sculpture winner from a kid’s compettion that the National Geographic World magazine put out in the 1980’s.

And throughout the week, you can take a tour of the cathedral, that’s the nation’s symbol of peace and unity on your visit. And sometimes even a Tour & Tea where you sit seeing above the roof and looking out the window. 🫖

And learn all about the church that’s also home to so many special national events that the Presidents past and present attend.

It’s a modern cathedral built in the 19th century, so you’ll find all kinds of light up surprises. Downstairs isn’t your typical catacomb crypt you’ll find in many large churches. It’s much happier. You’ll find…

A large gift bookstore that’s an extension from the small one upstairs. And down the “secret passageway” stairs, you don’t want to miss seeing the celebration of life remembrance chapels.

On certain days of the month, you can find a labyrinth maze that’s meant to be a self-discovery moment…

The National Cathedral Lights also represents an opportunity for personal growth as it’s also known as the Center for Prayer and Pilgrimage. And in this maze you’ll go on your own inner journey, traveling on feet as fast or slow as you want.

This could be a wellness or sacred retreat. You’ll see others doing the same and sometimes there are classes you can attend online or in person. Just remember, you’re never alone!

And if you’re visiting from out of town and need best DC restaurant for groups and DC hotel recommendations that are a short drive or Uber ride from the Cathedral, these are my insider picks for you. 😊

Cinque Terre, Italy Gem Stay

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cinque terre italy gem hillside town — Vernazza, Cinque Terre Italy gem stay in the heart of Cinque Terre (views are postcard-esque and something to write home about 💌)

This is a hidden Cinque Terre, Italy gem. La Polena Hotel is apartment-like and has a rooftop that we had for private sunbathing and enjoying at sunset. It’s private to the building that only has 2 other rooms that may or may not be occupied.

In the Emerald Suite, there’s a beautiful view above the water (Ligurian Sea), that you can indeed swim in. It’s lovely in the summer.

Great way to travel is to take the boat ferry and village hop in Cinque Terre. You can also take the train from town to town. If you love hiking and walking, it’s a great place for hikers and walking enthusiasts.

And if you’re Italy hopping, you can take the train to La Spezia. From Florence, you’ll see the Carrara marble and quarry that Michaelangelo used to dream up and carve the statue of David in the town of Carrara.

And then in Cinque Terre, you can enjoy the dreamy Italian tourist seascape. 🌊

The Emerald Suite comes with a Nespresso maker and coffee, and a kettle (hot water pot). The bedroom is in a separate room separated by a hallway that leads to the bathroom. The bathroom is very modern and nice.

There’s a shower enclosed by glass (no bath tub). There’s a bidet beside the toilet. It’s not really a family with kids’ place, it’s actually perfect for a romantic getaway.

There’s a big wardrobe in the room hallway. The safe inside did not work when we stayed but perhaps is fixed now.

Not a big deal as there’s a lock outside the door of the building. For the hotel room price, this is a Cinque Terre, Italy gem. You’re getting a suite in the heart of Vernazza, one of the 5 famous villages in Cinque Terre, Italy!

When you leave the building, halfway down the steps (which mind you, are real Cinque Terre steps –stone and uneven), there’s a great restaurant.

They have delicious fresh seafood and an anchovies plate (Cinque Terre is known for anchovies and pesto). I don’t usually leave recipes but this is so simple:

Cinque Terre pesto: Crush up basil, pine nuts, and garlic with some salt in a mortar. Then mix with grated parmesan cheese and olive oil.

In the Vernazza village where this hotel is, there’s one restaurant that stands on a cliff and has amazing food. It’s the Belforte Restaurant.

We made a reservation at 7 pm and were standing in a line outside in the heat. But it’s worth the wait! The food is amazing. If you love seafood, THIS is the place. I loved their black squid ink pasta. I could eat that every day.

cinque terre italy gem restaurant on the vernazza cliff cinque terre italy gem finds like this patio dining

Then for breakfast, it is free and included with your hotel stay at La Polena, a Cinque Terre, Italy gem. It is a nice buffet with fruit, yogurt, bread, and pastries. A server will come by and ask if you would like a beverage, like a coffee or cappuccino. You can sit inside or outside. This free-for-guests-breakfast restaurant has an outside picturesque view of the main plaza in Vernazza. For lunch, this restaurant is busy with tourists. We had lunch there one day and I ordered the seafood pizza that was 10 euros.

Night Roof view of Vernazza from hotel

And if you like charming Cinque Terre water views, you’ll probably love the canals in Venice!

2023 Philly Restaurant Week Best

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Depending on what cuisine you like, at 2023 Philly Restaurant Week there’s something for you. After Labor Day’s big Made in America Music Festival curated by Jay-Z, or Parx horse races, you can get your fill of good Philly eats.

Center City District 2023 Philly Restaurant Week has lobster pot pie, mac-n-cheese, arancini, and peach desserts on the menu, so there’s something for every taste! 😋 And you like seafood (see-food 👀), you’ll like my best picks…

Philly restaurant week has lobster dishes like this lobster macaroni

In 2023, it’s $45/3-course dinner and $20/2-course lunch. Forget cheesesteak hoagies for this one because this is the finest aged cuisine brought to one of the oldest cities in America:

Some fave highlights are seafood and Italian cuisine.

The 40-year old Oyster House (BEST seafood) is offering luxe Lobster Roll (chilled New England Style with fries), four oysters. and chocolate panna cotta as a sample $45 menu… that’s a lotta lob and oy-STAHS that are hard to resist! 🦞

And if you’re allergic, then maybe the 30-year old Alice Pizza restaurant inspired by authentic ❤️ Rome foods, can be your new love. Oozing Burrata cheese, Jumbo shrimp (gotta love the oxymoron! 🍤), Amatriciana famous Roman pasta, and sfogliatelle pastries with vanilla gelato or traditional tiramisu. Seafood and cheese are okay in Philly!

And if you want to get really authentic, you may want to try…

Gran Caffe L’Aquila with cinghiale meatballs, monkfish puttanesca-style, and gelato made by the Italian & World (Gelato) Press Champion, Stefano Biasini, that’s like winning the World Cup of Gelato. 🍨

And if Italian isn’t your food vibe, you’ll also find German, Middle Eastern, Thai, and so much more.

Philly is an easy drive on the east coast.

If you need a stay recommend, this is a boutique hotel with so much inspiring charm from the cute building to the mood room interior mod-design headboards adorned with black and white (trending) striped drapes…. NOT your boring blah-beige or solid-color window treatments. And if you look up in the ceiling, you’ll see different mod features you’d see in HGTV dream makeover homes. And for an eclectic feel of unusual art and mix-n-match patterns, this is a moderate-affordable stay worth checking in and checking out!

…And you may be interested in the NYC Restaurant Week or DC Restaurant Week just a few short hours away.

Florida West Coast Beach and Culture

(Florida West Coast Beach includes Tampa, Clearwater, Saint Petersburg)

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tampa florida west coast beach map — West Coast Florida Tampa map

Who says you can’t find culture in the Tampa area?

The Florida west coast beach side has that.. Besides beautiful beaches with sugar fine sand and aqua color ocean that goes on for miles, the Tampa area is filled with museums.

If you appreciate art, you’ll be intrigued with the Dali Museum located in Saint Petersburg (Salvador Dali was one interesting surreal painter).

And the Chihuhly Museum known for the inspiring colorful glass art pieces you’ve probably seen all over the world (like the famous glass flowered ceilings in the Las Vegas Bellagio Hotel).

Treasure Island – Saint Petersburg, FL or St. Pete Beach

treasure island florida west coast beach culture

In that area, I recommend a boutique hotel, Treasure Island, just footsteps from the Florida west coast beach. It’s perfect for a romantic or solo getaway. The room is modern and has a convenient kitchenette and turndown service (with chocolates 🙂

Tampa area is known for fresh grouper and this hotel serves a delicious grouper meal.

florida west coast beach food — Fresh grouper salad at Treasure Island

The Sandpearl Resort – Clearwater Beach

If you want to be closer to Clearwater, known for its clear waters and awarded beaches (where you can almost go as far out as far as the eye can see), there are 2 hotels I love.

If you are looking for opulence or a hotel with a nice spa, the Sandpearl is recommended.

Opal Sands – Clearwater

florida west coast beach mocktail pina colada pool drink — Poolside drinks like a virgin pina colada

Opal Sands Hotel is a modern hotel with matching kitchen in the suites. It has a nice pool with pool drinks. And has free bikes you can check out to ride to the market or along the pedestrian/bike path to the pier with beautiful sunsets.

Looking For A Safe Romantic Destination Wedding Hotel?

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Lake Placid Lodge wedding hotel — Lake Placid Lodge

Do you know anyone looking for a romantic and safe U.S. destination wedding hotel venue location to marry? You can make this year one of your best.

Indeed…people are still getting married in 2020, that will go down history as an unforgettable year.

If you want to elope, the U.S. has many great places to consider. Upstate New York is actually a great place to have a summer or fall wedding.

Maybe as surprise to hear, like it was for me, New York produces some of the best wines in the U.S. The state of New York used to compare to California wines. One of my favorites is Adirondack Winery’s Baco Noir Pinot Noir. The winery store is located in Lake George across from the Sagamore Hotel. And probably one you wouldn’t notice as a small shop tucked in the middle.

In the New York Adirondacks, ritzy Lake Placid Lodge and the Sagamore‘s sister property, is open. They’re taking reservations for weddings as small as 10 guests as long as you stay at the lodge, which is a real romantic treat.

It has a beautiful rustic backdrop and upscale tree top feeling on Lake Placid. You can still make this year a great one!

How does this sound for menu items? Lobster bisque, King Crab Crusted Halibut with Lobster Beurre Blanc, Pan-seared Chilean Sea Bass, Two-tiered wedding lemon cake with blackberry layer, lemon buttercream. …those sound delicious to me.

All are part of several wedding hotel packages to choose from including a cocktail reception and wedding dinner.

If you had your mind set on summer international travel or a destination wedding, since the U.S. has been banned from traveling to Europe and many countries around the world, Mexico is one of the few places open to Americans you can still visit.

Having been to Mexico a few times, the best are Playa del Carmen, Cancun, and Cabo San Lucas. They’re great beach oceanfront cities to hang loose in and relatively inexpensive compared to other places to visit. Value for the money is good as you can find all-inclusive deals!

I wouldn’t want to make the individual U.S. decision whether to let my kids go back to school in a month during a pandemic. Escaping all the chaos sounds like a great idea! But instead of making those decisions, I am actually helping a friend with weddings (or what’s left of weddings) at this beautiful Lake Placid Lodge property. My hotel catering contract and paperwork (but paperless) handling is coming in handy 😉.

I think that would be a kid’s dream and music to their ears to get to have a travel adventure. That’s like skipping school for daily playing adventures.

Touring Napa, CA Wine Valleys

As I’m drafting this, today is National Pinot Noir Day. And one place in the US that is known for pinot noir grapes is Napa, CA wine valleys in California’s Napa and Sonoma counties.

If you have an artist’s eye, these wineries are like none other as there are modern art features and statue inspos throughout the wineries. All you have to do is look!

And there are distinct architectural designs to make the buildings stand out with exaggerated arches and spires. And soft, romantic touches.

There are many fabulous wine trails, but the Napa Wine Trail is world-famous. The best visits are still the larger producers, such as Robert Mondavi and Sutter Home. It’s not hype.

Quieter areas like Napa are not touristy, so you wanna visit the more happenin’ places so you don’t fall into a-nappa.

There are less people around, so you’re not dealing with crowds.

Beringer is another one that has the Harry Potter Alnwick Castle look.

Beringer Winery in the Napa, CA wine valleys

And then when inside, you’ll see they will have the tasting rooms that you’re accustomed to in your local wineries. It often feels like you’re in a cozy cave like I’m used to in Virginia wineries. And inside there are plenty of one-of-a-kind souvenirs you can take home and make great holiday gifts.

I still have an artsy painted glass coaster from Robert Mondavi that I’ve kept for a quarter of a century. So visiting the unique Napa Valley, CA wineries is definitely worth visiting at least once in a lifetime!

And of course, home to the one-of-a-kind Napa Valley wine train for a cork-and-fork foodie experience. 🍽️

On my first visit, I bought a bottle of Robert Mondavi wine sherry for cooking that was so amazing to pair with mushrooms… and enhanced the nose and tasting sensory kitchen cooking experience.

You can also explore Antinori Napa Valley in California with dominant Cabernet Franc grapes. The family winery is world-famous as a large Italian wine producer (12 million bottles in the Tuscan Hills), who’s known for Tignanello.

I visited the Italy-located vineyards in one of my 4 visits to the wine capital, Florence, Italy. I remember tasting Peppoli that’s a blend of Chianti and Sangiovese grapes. That’s perfect under the Tuscan sun that’s flowing with Sangiovese grosso grapes to make Brunello, and near Chianti. Something to dream about 💭

And when in the Napa, CA wine valleys that could be closer to you, you can drive up the trail to Calistoga… you may have heard of or been to the Hot Springs? And that’s a great place to stay for great value hotels to enjoy your day and night experience. It would be great for a birthday celebration 🎂 or girl’s weekend!

There, you can travel west to Sonoma and find a few gems like Korbel (champagne maker) champagne room in Guerneville near Santa Rosa that also has cute hotels and vintage motels (that are not your roadside roof).

Duck, NC – The Best of Outer Banks

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Duck, NC is one of the quieter beach towns in the Outer Banks barrier islands. Northerners know the barrier islands or OBX, which has been made more popular with the Nicholas Sparks romantic books and movies like Nights in Rodanthe (starring Diane Lane and Richard Gere).

And while Duck, NC is more busy than Rodanthe, it’s a quieter Outer Banks town just a ‘lil north. You can still enjoy the same beach coast in a more relaxing setting away from stress or the city. And then watch the peaceful sunset waterfront views. Maybe that’s what the doctor ordered?

Outer Banks starts at the top when you drive into Corolla (pronouned Kha-rawl-ah). And down at the southern tip is the popular Nags Head Beach. From there, you can go down to Frisco past the furthest eastern point Rodanthe, and enjoy the ocean ride or unforgettable car ferry on a day trip out to Cape Hatteras. You may have seen the Cape’s iconic lookout lighthouse that’s with painted black and white diagonal stripes.

And in Hatteras, you’re getting closer to a jumper plane ride to Bermuda that’s probably what the Wright brothers could’ve done with their first motorized plane. A model illustration was featured at the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum.

Kitty Hawk where the Wright Brothers landed their first motorized plane, is next to Duck, NC

…And in the Outer Banks, Kitty Hawk is where the Wright Brothers landed. And if you’re on vacation with kiddos, be sure to check out the Kill Devil Hills natural sand dunes where climbing and riding sand plus kite flying are fun sports for the family.

Sandwiched in the middle is Duck, NC if you want a more zen and spa-like stay, with coastal design ambiance while sipping and enjoying Harney & Sons fine teas. This special resort has its own spa and there are other local spas you can check out.

Like this one waterfront restaurant and spa nearby with live music. You can make this an escape romantic weekend where you can breathe a sigh of relief from the reality of everyday life.

When I compare Duck, NC and Outer Banks to Ocean City, MD or Myrtle Beach, SC, I look at them as different vacations with different hotel vibes. Duck, NC being the relaxing beach where maybe you take a zen sabbatical, and the other touristy ones are a fun getaway on another agenda.

Cool Pool Hotels With Cooling Vibes

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One of the coolest things about cool pool hotels is that the pools run cool year-round (getting the theme…cool?). I found hotel stays in Miami and Myrtle Beach that have cool beachfront pools… so don’t even think about going elsewhere! 😉

…A pristine pool that you can jump into (not limited to and sandwiched in between Memorial and Labor Day) brings a serene cool vibe to your wellness. Maybe it’s an infinity pool or a design pool with curvy shapes, outlines, and colors.

Below are some fave cool pool hotels you can check out with these features.

The Raleigh Hotel in Miami, Florida

I discovered this hotel in the early 2000s when black and white stripes were popular… and they’re back again! You may have seen them in the resurgence of Barbie hoopla. It conveys j’aim tout!

The Savoy Hotel and Beach Club in South Beach is oceanfront and has cool shape pools that blend into the blue ocean waters behind… The location of this SoBe hotel is ideal on the 400 block of Ocean Drive. This made my visit stress-free, fun, and relaxed. 🏝️

Anderson Ocean Club and Spa in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is the quintessential hotel pool with indoor and several outdoor pools against the beach backdrop. There’s putt-putt too. ⛳️ You may never to leave the hotel club and spa!

…And if you’re with the kiddos 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, they’ll love the lazy river pool at The Breakers… and you will too! One of my fond memories is The Hard Rock Park that’s gone, but Myrtle Beach is one big amusement park. You can find all kinds of fun for all ages… and Margaritaville-ish places especially around Barefoot Landing where there’s no shortage of restaurants to choose from.

And all kinds of knick-knacks and retro vibe stores. I think I met the tallest man on stilts in one of the restaurants. Happy times ✌️in South Carolina, and they have perks as they just had their tax-free weekend if you plan ahead! Charleston, Kiawah Island, and Hilton Head are other great SC travel destinations.

Bologna Best Rooftop Views

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Bologna is a university town and has the best rooftop views. I recommend taking a terracotta rooftop view and slowly enjoying a memorable cup of cappuccino and Italian cookies (biscotti). ☕️

Don’t miss the beautiful architecture in the heart of the city where a little walking brings a lot of beautiful sightseeing surprises. You also see the one-of-a-kind canals where you think you’re somewhere as magical as Venice (minus the Carnevale masks). 🎭

In the heart of the city in Bologna, are the Twin Towers (the other leaning towers in Italy on a lean). You can sit on the steps in the square nearby, and take in the view. And when you’re ready to keep going, you want to take a look at the architectural features that the city has to offer.

One feature is the best rooftop views (more on this below) and the famous arches that you can find at different street angles. If you’re a photographer, this is a paradise.

The modern charm everywhere matches the city. You can get great shots against doors and corners. And you don’t want to miss why this city is a UNESCO world heritage site… Bologna is dotted with ornate porticoes that you have to see in person like in this colonnade.

After you’ve had your fill and maybe a nice meal or two, a 10-minute walk away is Hotel Metropolitan that could be your choice of stay. Take the elevator to the rooftop. That’s where there’s a quiet and good size shaded terrace you can enjoy. Most likely you and your companions will be the only ones soaking in the city center view.

There are nice hotels by the train station in case that’s your mode of transportation, but it’s a hike to the city center, so I recommend staying close to city center. And especially if you’re only in Bologna for a day or two to soak in the town (that is probably enough).

And you can pack in your Italian foodie experiences 🍝. Bologna is in Emilia-Romagna (one of the 20 Italy regions and is north of Florence). Classic to the region, you want to try the tortellini that’s on every menu, or you can choose local farro like I did for one meal. The tortellini in Bologna is as common as fountains in Rome, and is also Pope recognized 😉