Waxing “Place de Vosges” poetic at Pavillon de la Reine

November 23, 2011

PARIS, FRANCE – As Parisian public squares go, I’m especially partial to the picturesque scenery of Place de Vosges. Built in the 17th century, it served as a prototype of “urban planning” for the residential squares of European capitals: uniform red brick housefronts set above vaulted stone arcades with central… (more)

British-approved pampering at thoroughly French Hôtel Le Meurice

November 7, 2011

PARIS, FRANCE – Let’s face it: France and Britain have a long history of testy relations. From the Hundred Years War to the colonial period, the two neighbors across the channel have at varying points been, to echo French scribe Jose-Alain Fralon, “dear enemies.” But starting in the early 1900s,… (more)

Luxury on the menu at Hôtel Fouquet’s Barrière

October 26, 2011

PARIS, FRANCE – You’ve heard of hotels spawning legendary restaurants, but what about restaurants spawning legendary hotels? I can’t think of any in the States aside from, ah, maybe The Hard Rock Café Hotel in Vegas…but that’s not exactly the level of luxury I have in mind. Which is why… (more)

Beverly Hills Hotel: you can check out anytime you like, but…

April 24, 2011

LOS ANGELES, USA- One might be reticent to check into a hotel that’s pictured on the cover of The Eagles’ Hotel California.  Who’d want to run the risk of lodging in a place they can “never leave”?  Well, given that the famously photographed hotel is actually the Beverly Hills Hotel… (more)

Trouble-free booking (and bubbly to boot) on Tablet

August 29, 2010

THE WORLD – So let’s say you’ve found that perfect boutique hotel in your favorite destination. You can almost see the stunning city view out your window, taste the freshly made cocktails in the lounge, and feel the soft Frette linens on your skin. Except…you first have to figure out… (more)