by Jennifer on May 7, 2013
All images courtesy of the Hotel Adlon
The vibe: Uber Euro-luxe and cool
The facts: Built in 1907, the Adlon was largely destroyed by fire in 1945 during World War II. It wasn’t until 1997 that it was reopened with 382 rooms and suites, most of which face the famed Brandenberg Gate.
The details: Berlin is one of those cities that what you see is what you get. There’s no bashfulness in the stark streets, buildings, arty corners and the city’s rich history. You could find yourself in just about any type of hotel here, from Berlin’s well-known and adored hostels, to crafty artsy boutique hotels all the way up to luxury five-star stays. One of Berlin’s best known and most loved hotels happens to be on the luxury end and they get luxury right in all ways possible.
Set in a historic building on the east side of Brandenberg Gate, the Adlon is steeped in German and Berlin history (having been through world wars, the separation of East and West Berlin and the reunification). It stands beside the old Berlin Wall line in what used to be known as no man’s land (the section between east and west Berlin heavily guarded until the wall fell in 1989). Despite the darker side of history that has surrounded the walls, the hotel’s incredibly affluent vibe makes it feel rich and full of life. The lobby is luxe and sophisticated, the rooms are elegant and trimmed in dark woods and creamy linens and walls and the service isn’t hard to find (the hotel staff dress in red and are always asking if they can help in any way). READ MORE
by Jennifer on April 10, 2013
An all-white room at the Sofitel Vienna. Image courtesy of the Sofitel Vienna.
There are so many things we love about Vienna – the undeniably chic cafés, the fine dining, all those delectable and flaky sweets, tarts, and cakes that this Austrian city is famous for (FYI, cut back on calories before heading to Vienna so you can unbashfully indulge in all those cakes and tortes with no shame). You’ll spend your days strolling the quaint streets, popping into art museums, books stores and shops along Kaerntnerstrasse (the main shopping strip), but by night you’ll need a soft spot to recharge your batteries, get an amazing night’s sleep and maybe even have a drink or two. You can stay in one of Vienna’s classic, old world hotels, or you can do something completely different and opt for an ultra-mod, boarder line stark, all-white room at the Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom.
First off, this hotel is perfectly located. You’ll be steps away from the Schwedenplatz 2 tram station that runs a loop around the city centre (taking to all the major hotspots, cafes, museums and best shopping) and across the Danube canal. It also happens to be located just across the canal from Mott am Fluss (one of Vienna’s hottest daytime cafés and bars by night — stop by for a latte at the very least). Behind the hotel is a growing mix of up-and-coming designer shops and a neighbourhood that is on the rise. It’s the perfect mix of tradition in the city centre and trendy, artsy neighbourhoods.
But what makes this hotel so unique in Vienna is the crisp rooms decked in white from top to bottom and floor to ceiling windows (for some impressive panoramic views of Vienna’s multi-coloured rooftops). You’ll be starting each day with a clean slate. Designed by Jean Nouvel, it’s unlike any other hotel in Vienna’s city centre (where you’ll find more traditional European hotels) and was inspired by fashion, art, architecture, and is a reinterpretation of Vienna’s famed St Stephens Cathedral. If you’re in the mood/lucky enough you might make it into one of the hotel’s very few domineering all black rooms, or a soothing all grey room (the hotel has 182 rooms and 26 suites, with mostly white rooms and a select few black and grey rooms). An all-white room might not always jive with tourists. It definitely has an edge and a design feel too it, but they also have a surprisingly warm and inviting feeling about them (maybe it’s the skyline or maybe it’s the fact that it seems so fresh and clean). READ MORE
by Jennifer on March 6, 2013
With winter stretching on just far too long (we’re so ready to swap our Burberry riding boots for some chic Michael Kors loafers), it’s no wonder so many people flock to tropical Caribbean and Mexican destinations in March for spring break. Just because we’re not in college or university anymore doesn’t mean we still don’t need a break — vegging out pool side, drinking frosty margaritas in a cabana and seriously doing nothing at all. We just don’t want to do it with swim-up bars, jam-packed large resorts and with loads of students easing away school stress. These places definitely have their place, but we’re looking for something a little more chic and a little more secluded. Here are our top four places to escape this spring break — from your everyday and from the crowds.
A suite at Hotel French Coco. Photography courtesy of Hotel French Coco.
Hotel French Coco, Martinique, Caribbean
We can almost guarantee that you won’t finding a slew of college students drinking in the bar at this chic Creole-inspired boutique hotel on the French island of Martinique. With 17 quaint suites (by quaint we mean spacious with terraces — not bad, no?) and only two floors, you’ll feel more like you’re visiting one of Richard Branson’s many island homes rather than checking in at a hotel. You won’t hear pumping music here either — situated on Martinique’s Atlantic coast, its spot along the sandy shore is also shared with a tiny fishing village named Tartane and a protected natural reserve. The intimate beach, La Brèche, is also perfect for sipping chilled drinks before dinner or reading a good book (see some of our best vacation reads here). And when the motto is “On holiday it is no longer your responsibility to look after your well being, but ours,” it’s the ideal spot to rid yourself of any winter blues and stress you may have.
Where to Find:
Hotel French Coco
33 La Distillerie
Tartane, 97 220, Trinite
hotelfrenchcoco.com
The pool by night at Casa Bonita. Photography courtesy of Casa Bonita.
Casa Bonita, Dominican Republic, Caribbean
Let’s face it — flights to the Dominican Republic are sometimes at such amazing rates, it’s hard to pass up on the chance to get to this ever-popular Caribbean island when you’re in serious need of vitamin D. This tropical hideaway is in the south-west, secluded corner of the island (that equals a peaceful, quite vacation) and has just 12 rooms (all with balconies that over look the jungle or the sea) a luxe spa and a restaurant (which uses produce from the on-site garden). The best part? Requesting a special spa treatment customized just for your body’s needs at the Tanama Eco Spa nestled in the surrounding trees.
Where to Find:
Casa Bonita
Km 17 Carretera De La Costa
Barahona, Dominican Republic
casabonitadr.com
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by Jennifer on January 15, 2013
Images courtesy of Palacio Duhau, Park Hyatt Buenos Aires.
A couple of years back we spent the last part of our holidays in Buenos Aires – a place we adored and was the ideal setting to ring in a new year. To ward off our New Year’s Day tiredness (we may have had a wee bit too much champagne), we booked ourselves a lovely spa treatment and brunch at the ultra-luxe Palacio Duhau, Park Hyatt Buenos Aires – and it was well worth every minute and penny. So much so that we still dream about it today, and can’t wait until we return.
Perfectly located in the heart of the French heritage district of Recoleta on Avenida Alvear, this grand hotel used to actually be a palace (hence the name) in the 1930s. This alone makes us love it (we’re always up for anything royal), but we were also swayed by the amazing interior of the hotel. Chandeliers hang from high ceilings, fireplaces in suites, and in-house art collection, and it’s undeniable elegance mixed with sleek modern touches made us want to spend more than a day here.
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by Jennifer on November 14, 2011
When we’re planning out our next travel adventures and trips, nothing gives better inspiration than flipping through some of our old travel pics for memories. It reminds us of foods we love, the best drinks and some of the most gorgeous sights. This time, we couldn’t get enough of our photos from a recent trip to Portugal (which quickly has become one of our favourite European destinations). Even though it was just a little over a month ago we were in sunny Lisbon, we can’t wait to plan our next trip to explore more of Portugal. Here are some photo highlights.
A sunny view of Lisbon on a hot day from one of the city's 7 look out points
The tiny, colourful streets of Alfama in Lisbon
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by Jennifer on June 8, 2011
We just spent a few days in Dublin and were lucky enough to check out some really fab hotels. Dublin may be a small city (you won’t find any sky scrapers here) but what they may lack in size they certainly don’t lack in style when it comes to places to rest and relax. Here are our top four picks for the best places to get your beauty sleep in Dublin.
The Dylan Hotel. Photo courtesy of Justin Harrington.
The Dylan
Just outside of the city centre is a five-star boutique hotel that offers up luxury in an arty setting, and unmatched service. The interior is a mix of Victorian and contemporary styles, the rooms are spacious, and if you’re willing to shell out just a bit extra, ask for the Dylan experience suite … where there are even TVs in the washrooms. And be sure to sip on a cocktail or two in the hotel bar’s terrace where they serve up some of the best non-beer drinks the city has to offer. Try the Lemon, Lavender & Basil Mojito – it’s simply delish.
The Dylan Hotel
Eastmoreland Place, Dublin 4, +353 1 6603000
dylan.ie
A room in the Fitzwilliam Hotel. Photo courtesy of the Fitzwilliam.
The Fitzwilliam
The Fitzwilliam couldn’t be in a better location … directly across from Dublin’s large green space St. Stephen’s Green it offers up gorgeous views (especially at sunset). Even better is that it is right next to the main pedestrian shopping strip, Grafton Street, and only a hop away from the touristy the Temple Bar area, old Dublin and a slew of chic restaurants and boutiques. The comfy rooms are decked in rich greens and deep purples, red and crisp creams, and many with balconies overlooking the park.
Fitzwilliam Dublin Hotel
St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, +353 1 478 7000
fitzwilliamhoteldublin.com READ MORE
by Stephanie on May 10, 2011
Photography courtesy Oban Inn
Quaint, historic and a haven for wine lovers, Niagara-on-the-Lake is a perfect weekend destination if you’re into long breakfasts, hazy afternoons, and of course reveling in all nature has to offer.
Offering an abundance of accommodations from hotels to bed and breakfasts, finding a place to stay can be an arduous task, if you consider they are 300 B&B’s in the area. To save you time, we’ve highlighted a few of our favourites.
Oban Inn
A historic property, renovated extensively in 2006, the Oban Inn is tucked away from the downtown boutiques, almost overlooking Lake Ontario. Featuring a much more modern aesthetic than what you’ll typically find in the area, all of the 26 guestrooms feature LCD plasma TV’s, BOSE sound system, luxurious robes and plush beds. On site is a full-service spa, with a state-of-the-art exercise facility, pool, steam room and outdoor hot spring. Dining-wise, the restaurant focuses on local flavours, offering a concise dinner menu with dishes like Wine Braised Lamb Shank and Icy Waters Arctic Char.
Rooms start at $260 in the summer and $150 in the winter.
obaninn.com
160 Front St., P.O. Box 94
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
1-866-359-6226 READ MORE
by Jennifer on September 19, 2010
With so many places to staying in this vibrant city, it can be hard to narrow down your search of hotels in Boston. We’ve found some amazing spots that we think just can’t be missed. Whether you’re looking for something ultra-hip and trendy, or classic and sophisticated, Boston has it all.
Photography courtesy of The Four Seasons Boston
Classic: The Four Seasons Boston
There’s a certain elegance that comes with staying at the Four Seasons anywhere in the world. The Four Seasons in Boston is no exception with luxurious, spacious rooms with classic detailing, huge bathrooms with L’Occitane products, amazing dining options and impeccable service (our welcome gifts when we arrived included bubbly and sweets). Situated right on the edge of the Boston Commons, you’ll also get amazing views (we suggest getting room service one morning and sip your coffee while watching the sun come up over the park’s trees). The location is also great for those looking to explore the Back Bay area. READ MORE
by Jennifer on September 6, 2010
Photography courtesy of Windsor Arms Hotel
There’s something so sophisticated (and perhaps a bit indulgent) about treating yourself to afternoon tea. The classic British tradition is one of our favourite ways to spend an afternoon in a new city, but when we can’t get to London, New York or Paris for high tea, we find great ways to escape right here in Toronto. Here are some of our favourite afternoon tea spots — whether you live in Toronto or are just visiting, a quiet afternoon of tea will always hit the spot.
The Windsor Arms
A frequent celebrity haunt, The Windsor Arms is quiet and tucked away on St. Thomas Street, just off of Bloor Street West. Tea is served in the Tea Room from 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. daily and includes smoked salmon and salmon caviar, petit fours, scones, tarts and fresh fruit. Even more dainty — your tea is poured from pretty flowered pots.
Price: Starting at $30
Windsor Arms Hotel, 18 St. Thomas St., 416-971-9666.
The Old Mill Inn and Spa
Charmingly British, this Tudor-inspired hotel in the west-end of Toronto has an adorable garden terrace that makes afternoon tea in the spring and summer a special treat. But in cooler months, you can sip on Earl Grey and dine on sandies and sweets in the cozy inclosed terrace.
Price: Starting at $20.95
The Old Mill Inn & Spa, 21 Old Mill Rd., 416-236-2641. READ MORE
by Jennifer on July 20, 2010
Photography courtesy of Denver Four Seasons
While the temperatures in most of North America are skyrocketing and the humidity is thick, we’re helping beat the summer heat by planning trips for the cooler months. We’ve been dying to get to Denver and think it will be a great winter weekend getaway. Thankfully our choice of where to stay just got a bit easier as the new Denver Four Seasons is now accepting reservations for stays beginning November 13th, 2010.
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