Arlo Hotel opens, complete with Arrels Restaurant and a Rooftop Bar

D.C.’s oldest surviving apartment building, the 1888 Harrison Apartments, has been transformed into a glamorous new 445-room hotel, Arlo Washington D.C. The hotel’s highlights include a gorgeous rooftop bar with indoor and outdoor seating, as well as the flagship restaurant named Arrels. Helmed by Chef Pepe Moncayo, Arrels means “roots” in Catalan to honor the Chef’s Spanish heritage. Standout dishes on the menu include the crispiest patatas bravas, served in a charming cone alongside a puddle of garlicky aioli, grilled gem lettuce crowned with a snowy mountain of Manchego cheese, chewy mushroom fideos, and, of course, flaky, sugar-coated churros served with a dense chocolate sauce.

Dupont Circle Hotel’s Pembroke Sunday Suppers

In the fall of 2024, The Pembroke, the gorgeous, glass-enclosed restaurant located on the first floor of D.C.’s Dupont Circle hotel, launched a new Sunday Supper series. Each month, a different member of The Pembroke’s talented culinary team will curate a prix-fixe, family-style meal, using fresh ingredients from the market, that honors their own personal culture. Guests can choose to dine just with their party, or,  in the dinner’s spirit of gathering, sit at the community table with whomever else is there that evening.

We were lucky enough to attend the inaugural supper, which had a Sicilian theme. (And as you know, we at the Dining Traveler love all things Sicilian!) The family-style meal included sfincione, a garlicky parmesan-dusted Sicilian pizza, panelle, crunchy chickpea flour crackers, stuffed cabbage, grilled romano beans, roasted cauliflower with almonds, mint, lemon, and chilies, and hearty braised beans. Dessert was a marvel; not-too-sweet ricotta cake arrived topped with warm roasted plums and peaches, and the creamiest chocolate chip gelato was too good not to finish. This is a D.C. hotel experience you don’t want to miss!    

Hotel Heron’s Debuts New Cocktail Bar, Francis Hall

Old Town Alexandria’s Hotel Heron, right outside of D.C. just opened Francis Hall, a craft cocktail bar offering a boozy D.C. hotel experience. The menu features about 30 drinks, including gems like Frank’s Punch, a strong combination of corn whiskey, mezcal, clementine, and suze, and a Negroni that is served as a frozen sorbet with mezcal, vermouth, citrus, and chocolate, and made table-side with liquid nitrogen for an extra special experience.

The Fire Garden at Park Hyatt’s Blue Duck Tavern

Lots of local outdoor patios have closed for the winter, but if you love to enjoy the fresh air even when temperatures are low, visit the new fire garden at Blue Duck Tavern for a super seasonal D.C. hotel experience. The newly created outdoor oasis features firepits and cozy blankets on the terrace and a fun menu of seasonal cocktails like a gingerbread martini, made with vanilla vodka, Irish cream, and ginger, and a chai white Russian, featuring chai-spiced cream, spiced rum, and cinnamon. There is also a series of drinks that incorporate at least one ingredient or garnish that was sourced directly from the hotel’s rooftop garden, like the sweet potato old fashioned with rum blend, sweet potato syrup, angostura bitters, and pecan bitters, garnished with dehydrated orange and two charred meringue cubes. Also part of the series are the golden pear with pear ginger vodka, lime juice, elderflower liqueur, ginger syrup, and angostura bitters, garnished with dried pear, and the Park DC cider with apple, cinnamon- and clove-infused bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, cranberry and ginger syrup, served in a cider mug and garnished with a cinnamon stick. 

Kimpton Hotel Monaco’s Winter Chalet

Dirty Habit has transformed its outdoor patio into a cozy winter chalet with fire pits, blankets, and a snow cannon, offering a lovely festive D.C. hotel experience. Seasonal beverages include warm concoctions like hot toddies, hot chocolate, and mulled wine. Don’t forget to order some of their famous truffle frites!

Visitation Hotel Frederick is the first new hotel to open in Frederick, MD in 50 years

Visitation Hotel Frederick, the first new hotel to open in Frederick, Maryland in the last 50 years, is housed in a space that was formerly a convent and Catholic school, which has been renovated into a 65-room boutique hotel. Celebrity chef siblings Bryan and Michael Voltaggio are opening their first joint restaurant in their hometown inside the Visitation, called Wye Oak Tavern, and the venue is a great spot from which you can explore historic downtown Frederick.

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What is Vermont’s Inn to Inn Walking Tour

Vermont’s Inn to Inn Walking Tour is a four-day package featuring a walking tour in the south of Vermont, where guests stay at four different inns and spend the day hiking from one inn to the next!

What’s included

The Vermont Inn to Inn tour includes four nights in delightful southern Vermont bed and breakfasts, breakfast and dinner each day, snacks for each day’s walking tour, maps for each day’s hikes, and transportation of your luggage from each bed and breakfast to the next so you can hike without carrying all your luggage.

The Hotels

We loved each and every place we stayed in during our Vermont’s Inn to Inn tour. The Colonial House offers one of the best breakfasts in town, and the owners have the sweetest pets who will love to meet you! The Inn Victoria can only be described as elegant and relaxing, with a soaking tub in your room to relax in after hiking all day. The Golden Stage Inn includes fireplaces in each room for an extra layer of coziness and The Pettigrew Inn is classic and charming.

The Food

Our favorite meal of each day was the breakfasts, which included items like breakfast burritos, freshly basked muffins, pancakes and hot waffles served with the famous Vermont maple syrup. The meals are hearty and filling, enough to sustain you for each day’s lengthy walking tour! For dinner, we enjoyed home cooked meals with dishes like spaghetti in marinara sauce, enchiladas, and cauliflower steak with couscous.

The Hikes

The best part of this trip is the walking tour! The scenery in Vermont is simply spectacular. We went during fall when it was especially gorgeous. Each day’s hike is 10-15 miles. Along the way, stop at the General Store for a maple creamie, which is Vermont’s famous maple-flavored soft serve, or the Outer Limits Brewery for one of Vermont’s delicious craft beers. Fun fact: Vermont has the most number of breweries per capita of any state.

Recommendations

Practice walking in advance of our Vermont’s Inn to Inn Walking Tour! It sounds like a short distance but you WILL get sore. Wear good sneakers or hiking shoes, and stay hydrated. Soaking at the end of the day is helpful too. I also recommend stopping at a store to get a sandwich to go. Small snacks are provided by your bed and breakfasts, but I was happy to have a sandwich. I recommend bringing a small backpack to use while you hike for your camera, water, snacks, and extra layers in case you get cold. And finally, have fun!!! Cell phone service is limited which is the best part – you will truly get to enjoy the sensational nature that Vermont offers while on this walking tour.

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About Candelero Beach

Candelero Beach Resort is locally and family-owned by the Suárez family of Palmas Hills Partners. The hotel sustained substantial damage by hurricane Maria and Irma and was forced to shut its doors. The resort reopened in December of 2018 and has become a pillar of the local Palmas del Mar community.

Location

Located at the upscale development of Palmas del Mar in the town of Humacao, Candelero Beach Resort is around a 90-minute drive from San Juan. The hotel is a beachfront property with access to several pools and a sandy beach. If you are all about exploring beyond the hotel, you’re in luck! Here are several places that you can visit that are less than an hour’s drive: El Yunque Rainforest, scenic route 901 in Yabucoa, the kiosks of Luquillo, and the natural reserve of Humacao.

If spending a relaxing weekend at a hotel is your thing, there’s plenty to do at the property without having to leave Palmas del Mar. Given that it is one of the few all-inclusive properties in Puerto Rico, that means that you can indulge in the many restaurants on property. You can also play a round of golf, take a dip at one of the pools, or go for a walk at the Pterocaprus forest located just 10 minutes from the hotel.

Our Room

My friend and I shared a room with two comfortable queen beds, excellent in-room wi-fi access, and a mini-fridge. The colorful accent wall wallpaper in a tile pattern gave a pop of color to the neutral tones of the decor. The rooms are pretty spacious, which is perfect if you’re traveling with a small family or friends.

Food and Drink

There are eight food and beverage options to choose from at Candelero Beach Resort. From a wood-fired oven pizza to a wine-bar, the choices are many at this all-inclusive hotel. If all-inclusive hotels are not your thing, you can also choose a partial package as well.

We dined at the Puerto Rican restaurant, Oregano Cocina Criolla, for breakfast and dinner. We enjoyed the creative take on some Puerto Rican classics. I highly recommend you order the criollo omelet for breakfast. This decadent omelet, filled with savory chunks of lechon, sweet morsels of sweet plantains, and cheese is the ultimate Puerto Rican breakfast. Needless to say, a little stroll in the forest did me well after breakfast!

Make sure to have a drink at Mahi Ceviche and Tapas Bar, the lobby bar at the property. Our bartender, Pedro, was very creative when it came to the cocktails. We told him what we liked, and voilá, he created the perfect cocktail. We paired them with granitos, a local dish from Humacao. This fried rice cake, topped with a spicy crab, is the ideal snack.

Candelero Beach Resort: The Verdict

If you’re looking for a cozy hotel with all the amenities for a perfect vacation, Candelero Beach Resort is a great option. I truly appreciated that from the moment you walk in, the property truly embraces its Puerto Rican heritage and highlights local businesses. From a Gustos coffee at the lobby (local coffee chain) to the plena music setting the atmosphere at check-in, you know that you are in Puerto Rico. Looking forward to returning and bringing my family along.

Candelero Beach Resort, 170 Candelero Dr, Humacao, Puerto Rico. Website

Disclaimer: I was hosted by Candelero Beach Resort, but opinions are my own. 

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Blue Duck Tavern at Park Hyatt DC

Year after year, Blue Duck Tavern continues to be one of my favorite restaurants in Washington, DC. Located at the Park Hyatt DC, the dining room is refined without being pretentious. Its hyper-seasonal modern American menu and top-notch service make it one of my go-to places for a special occasion meal. Bonus: you can go any time of the day for a meal (my personal favorite is breakfast), and have an elevated culinary experience. Order the pancakes, and you will thank me later! 

Blue Duck Tavern, Park Hyatt Washington, DC, 1201 24th St NW, Washington, DC, Website 

Bourbon Steak at Four Seasons Washington, DC

If you’re looking for a proper spot to entertain clients or a cozy restaurant for a date night, Bourbon Steak at the Four Seasons is always a great bet. As the name implies, steak is the star of the menu; however, you can also indulge in other dishes such as the lobster pot pie. Start with a drink at its lively bar (and perhaps spot a celebrity). This DC hotel restaurant is located in Georgetown, perfect for a post-dinner stroll. 

Bourbon Steak, Four Seasons Washington, DC,  2800 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC, Website 

Via Sophia at The Hamilton Hotel 

The Hamilton Hotel recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation, which included the transformation of its former restaurant 14K into Via Sophia. Via Sophia is a modern and intimate restaurant that is a bit of an oasis from the bustling 14th Street and K St neighborhood. If you want a bit of the action, there’s also a patio. 

Their menu offers wood-fired oven pizzas, handmade pasta, and main courses. My favorite was the beautiful whole-roasted branzino which as deboned tableside by our server. Save room for a few scoops of refreshing gelato made in-house. 

Via Sophia, The Hamilton Hotel, 1001 14th St NW, Washington, DC, Website

Plume at The Jefferson Hotel 

In my humble opinion, Plume at The Jefferson Hotel is one of the most romantic DC hotel restaurants. Actually, it’s one of the most romantic restaurants in the city. If you’re looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion, Plume is the perfect restaurant for a proposal or anniversary. 

With its stunning crystal chandeliers, bronze accents, and dapper servers, it is a luxurious dining experience from beginning to end. The tasting menu is seasonal, with heavy use of local ingredients. The prix-fixe menu features classics such as a decadent lobster gratiné to a delicate duck breast. After your dinner, head to The Jefferson Hotel bar, Quill. Their creative cocktails and quaint atmosphere make it the perfect place for a nightcap.

Plume, The Jefferson Hotel, 1200 16th St NW, Washington, DC, Website

The Pembroke at The Dupont Circle Hotel 

The Pembroke at the Dupont Circle Hotel is one of the most beautifully designed DC hotel restaurants. The newly renovated restaurant gets tons of natural light thanks to its wraparound patio. Its coral leather booth makes for the perfect place to be seen while eating one of their colorful salads. Tip: make room for dessert. The key lime at The Pembroke pie to die for. 

The Pembroke, The Dupont Circle Hotel, 1500 New Hampshire Ave NW, Washington, DC, Website

Brothers and Sisters at The Line Hotel 

It’s fair to say that The Line Hotel in Adams Morgan has one of the liveliest lobbies in the city with its open plan and hip crowd. One of the restaurants at the hotel is Brothers and Sisters by renowned local chef Eric Brunner-Yang. From udon noodles to blue cheese wontons, the menu is as diverse as the city. I still think about the dry-aged beef burger, easily one of the best burgers I’ve had in the city. 

Brothers and Sisters, The Line Hotel, 1770 Euclid St NW, Washington, DC, Website 

Cherry at the W Washington, DC 

The W Hotel Washington, DC just underwent a multi-million dollar renovation, and it’s totally worth the trip to check out Cherry, their new restaurant. The restaurant Sunday brunch is a must-go: a buffet brunch with a cocktail for $40. In a party mood? You can also order bottomless mimosas and bellinis for an additional $25. There is also an a-la-carte menu. Get dressed up with your crew and enjoy brunch with a live D.J. After brunch take in the fantastic views from P.O.V., their famous rooftop bar. 

Cherry, W Hotel Washington, DC, 515 15th St NW, Washington, DC, Website

DC Hotel Restaurants: The Verdict

There are so many DC hotel restaurants to choose from. From swanky to hip, the variety is as diverse as the city.

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The Location

The Biltmore Miami is tucked away in an upscale residential neighborhood in Coral Gables. It takes less than 20 minutes by car to get there from the airport and 15-30 minutes to other key locations in the city such as Brickell, Miami Beach, and Wynwood. Although there’s valet parking, there is also a free self-parking area which makes it easy to get around. For this trip, I had meetings all over Miami and needed a central place to stay. I also love that once you’re at the property, you’re removed from the noise of the city. It’s like having your own personal oasis.

The Vibes

The sprawling property has a golf course, full-service spa, fitness center, three restaurants, and several conference room spaces. The crowd is a combination of families, business travelers, and couples looking for a getaway. Although the hotel has a large capacity, I was amazed at how intimate it felt. I really enjoyed my morning breakfast at Fontana where I would grab a seat in their patio and take in the lush tropical décor with a few bright green parrots making guest appearances throughout the morning.

The Room

My room at The Biltmore Miami was beautifully decorated with classic furniture with some modern touches. Loved the little details, such as chocolates and cordials left during turndown service, the charging cables attached to the alarm clock, and the delicate amethyst chandelier. My only point of improvement was the bathroom. Wish there was a deeper tub. Then again, they make it up with the massive pool!

The Food

The Biltmore Miami has three restaurants: Cascade, the casual poolside restaurant, Fontana, an Italian restaurant, and Palm d’Or, a five-diamond French restaurant. I dined at both Cascade and Fontana. Highly recommend ordering passion fruit jalapeno rum cocktail poolside with fresh ceviche. I was a bit underwhelmed with dinner at Fontana. I ordered fried squash blossoms that had too much batter, taking away from the beauty of the dish and the lobster ravioli was drowning in sauce. The restaurant did redeem itself with the dessert: a tangy key lime pie. Perhaps it was an off night as the breakfast buffet offerings were superb throughout my stay.

The Amenities

Make sure to carve out some time to enjoy the pool. Although it is enormous, you never feel crowded as there is so much space. If you need a little privacy, reserve a cabana. The Spa is known to be one of the best in the area. Unfortunately, I did not have the chance to experience it, but I’ve heard great things from my local friends. If you are a golfer you’re in luck: there’s a sprawling golf course with a clubhouse and pro-shop. Eating a bit too much? Try their full-service gym that includes an extensive array of classes such as spinning and yoga.

The Biltmore Miami: The Verdict

If you’re looking for relaxed luxury far away from the hustle and bustle of Miami Beach or Brickell, The Biltmore Miami is the place for you.

The Biltmore Miami, 1200 Anastasia Ave, Coral Gables, FL, Website

Disclaimer: I was hosted by The Biltmore but opinions are my own. I have also stayed at the property previously without media affiliation.

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The Location

Coconut Grove is a picturesque neighborhood with access to the beach and lined with quaint shops and restaurants. You can get away spending a few days in the neighborhood without having to venture further. The vibe is very local: as I went to Panther Coffee in the mornings I ran into plenty of people walking their dogs and families taking their kids to school. I enjoy staying in places with a residential feel as they give me an idea of how locals live.

The Amenities

When looking for where to stay in Coconut Grove or the rest of Miami for that matter, a rooftop pool is a must. The pool at The Mayfair Coconut Grove has a bar, some cozy cabanas, and an enviable view to the sea. The property also has a Jurlique Spa with beautiful Art Nouveau glass windows. The outdoor courtyard is perfect to relax with a cocktail or a glass of wine after a long day. Needless to say, it would be easy to stay a weekend at The Mayfair without even leaving the property.

The Rooms

The rooms and large and comfortable. Bonus: most rooms also have an outdoor hot tub in the balcony. The higher level rooms also have hot tubs inside the rooms. Because, Miami. The décor is a bit dated but the General Manager confirmed that The Mayfair Coconut Grove is gearing up for a major room renovation in the near future so will definitely look forward to seeing what they do with it.

The Food

I only had the opportunity to enjoy breakfast at The Mayfair Coconut Grove. The Mayfair Kitchen has a diverse breakfast menu with wood-fired breakfast sandwiches to some lighter dishes. I’m trying to eat a bit lighter these days so I appreciated the variety of healthy options on the menu. I ordered a spinach frittata with feta cheese that was delicious along with a cortado because when in Miami one must have a strong Cuban coffee! I also hosted an event for my book launch at The Mayfair and they did an excellent job with the setup and service.

Where to Stay in Coconut Grove: The Mayfair

If you’re looking for where to stay in Coconut Grove, The Mayfair Coconut Grove is definitely a great choice. The rates are reasonable, especially now that low season is upon us, the atmosphere is intimate, and you will experience friendly service throughout. I highly recommend.

The Mayfair Coconut Grove, 3000 Florida Ave, Coconut Grove, FL, Website

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Location

Adding a funky, purple glow to downtown’s streets, the Moxy Washington, DC is K St’s 200-room, 14-story new kid on the block, after opening last year in late November 2018. Everything about its location checks out – from being walking distance to many of D.C.’s iconic landmarks and the nearby metro stop (Metro Center, Red Line) to having an Uber or Lyft easily available on every corner, ready to pick you up!

The Rooms

With floor-to-ceiling windows and a sleek, functional aesthetic, the rooms are comfortable and clean – but not without a Moxy touch! Printed decorative pillows, fun hand-written messages from the staff, and even in-room makeup wipes (saving me a chilly walk down the street to CVS) are all perfect little details that made my stay that much sweeter!

The room is a bit on the small side, but more than roomy enough for a solo guest or a pair of travelers. While rooms are meant to be relaxing and comfortable for people to return to, they also encourage guests to socialize in the hotel’s community spaces.

The Lobby

Speaking of socializing, the lobby is currently the main stage for activity in the hotel. From getting work done to getting your drink on, the Moxy is versatile for every need. While your room may be absent of a personal desk, the lobby’s communal workspace is designed to fill that need. Previous to my recent stay, Jessica and I have already met here befoa re to grab coffee and catch up on work as it’s such an energizing work environment!

And when the sun sets, it’s time to tuck the work aside and have some fun! The Moxy often keeps it festive in the evenings with unique “activation” programs that engage guests. During the evening of my stay, they were hosting both a fortune teller and a lipsologist (she assesses your personality, emotions, characteristics, & energy levels based on your lipstick print!) in the lobby. And of course, I can’t forget to mention one of the main staples of their lobby: the bar. Not only does it double as the guest check-in stand (did I not already mention free arrival cocktails?), but it’s also a bright, inviting spot to grab a drink!

Eats

While the lobby bar does offer small bites and drinks, the hotel’s main restaurant is still scheduled for future opening later in 2019. Fortunately, Moxy Washington, DC downtown location ensures that there are plenty of delicious dining options just a few steps away. We jumped at the chance to try Chef Fabio Trabocchi’s second Sfoglina Pasta House, which also opened up this past fall just one block up from the hotel. There, we feasted on rich, homemade pastas and decadent desserts to our hearts’ content.

Moxy Washington DC Downtown: The Verdict

Ready to check in for a stay of around-the-clock fun? Whether you’re staying for a night (or just a nightcap), the Moxy D.C. is your place to Play On!

Moxy Washington DC Downtown 1011 K St NW, Washington, DC 20001, Website

Disclaimer: This stay was graciously hosted by Moxy Washington DC. Opinions are our own and they’ve taken enough of our money on coffee and cocktails! 

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Where to Stay

W Austin: This hotel is seriously fabulous. From the décor to the dining options to the pool to the service, it will exceed your expectations. Rooms are spacious, with huge beds,  sitting areas, and luxurious bathrooms. Be sure to grab drinks in the “Living Room” before or after dinner; it has a fantastic drink list and a DJ spinning tunes daily after 9pm. The location is also ideal: walking distance to restaurants and sites like Congress Bridge. Follow my advice and book a room if this you will be spending a in weekend in Austin anytime soon, it’s THE place to stay!

What to Do

The city is filled with fun activities. The hard part is deciding what to do when you just have a weekend in Austin. Here are my picks:

Barton Spring Pools: If you are visiting Austin in the spring or summer, you need to visit this spot. And by need to, I really mean it because you will want to cool off! The pools are fed from underground springs, so they are delightfully cool. There is plenty of grass for sunbathing, and then you can jump in as often as you like.

Congress Avenue Bridge/Lady Bird Lake: Every evening from March to October, over a million bats hide under the congress bridge, which crosses over Lady Bird Lake. Around sunset they all take off at the same time, which makes for a truly unique site! It is the largest urban bat colony in the world. There are also daytime and evening boat tours on the lake, which are a great way to see the city from a unique perspective.

Daytime pool party at the W Austin’s Wet Deck: Rent a cabana, order some cocktails and get ready for some serious relaxation. You can order snacks like chips and salsa or fresh fruit, sip drinks in the pool, people watch or just doze off on in a cabana. Music, sunshine, and friendly staff are in abundance: the makings for a perfect day.

Where to Eat and Drink

Let’s be realistic: the main reason to spend a weekend in Austin is to eat and drink!

El Naranjo: This is one of the best Mexican food meals I have had the pleasure of consuming. Located on Rainey Street, which is lined with bars and restaurant, this upscale but cozy venue not only offers fantastic, boozy margaritas, but delicious fare from appetizers to dessert. The guacamole is creamy and freshly made, the best way to kick off your meal. The veggie tacos include sautéed veggies doused in a smoky pasilla chili sauce, and mushroom empanadas are buttery, crispy and hearty.

For my entrée, I had grilled veggies smothered in mole sauce and it was divine. You can choose from mole negro, which is a bold, dark, savory, cocoa-infused mole, mole verde which is a green mole, or mole amarillo, a light and herbaceous mole. Desserts change with the seasons, but all of their selections are great – if you saved room. El Naranjo is open for lunch, brunch and dinner.

The Beer Plant: There’s nothing that will cure your hangover like brunch at the beer plant. This vegetarian gastropub has beer, as well as champagne cocktails, and hangover curing dishes like biscuits and gravy, “chicken” and waffles, and a hearty potato and tofu scramble hash, with avocado, mushrooms and tomatoes. For something lighter, get the bagel with carrot lox, avocado toast, or tofu egg sandwich. Really, you can’t go wrong!

East 6th Street: If you are looking for a rowdy crowd, head to East 6th Street. The street is lined with bars, some with rooftops, some with dancefloors, and even one with a giant jackalope statue. You can easily bar hop, and plenty offer great local beers and picnic bench style seating.

Trace: The W Austin’s signature restaurant has a gorgeous, modern décor, with indoor and outdoor seating. Grab a seat on their patio for brunch, order a mimosa and treat yourself to lemon poppyseed pancakes, grapefruit avocado toast, fresh fruit, or freshly fried donut holes.

Wu Chow: When you get sick of all the Mexican food and BBQ fare, take a break by visiting Wu Chow. This classy Chinese food restaurant has some delectable choices, including noodles and veggies swirled in a peanut and sesame sauce, dry fried green beans, sweet and sour eggplant, Texas okra tossed in a wok with ginger and chili peppers, and veggie fried rice.

A Weekend in Austin: The Verdict

A weekend in Austin is the perfect sun and food filled escape. Foodies will be able to stuff themselves and there are plenty of options for sightseeing or just some r&r!

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The Rooms

InterContinental Bangkok is a 5-star property that strikes a balance between modern décor and traditional Thai hospitality. Our room was very spacious with a fantastic view of the ever-changing Bangkok skyline. It was hard to leave our comfortable bed, but we had only 48 hours to explore Bangkok!

The Food

The hotel has 12 different restaurants covering several types of cuisine. We had the pleasure to meet and interview Executive Chef Rolando Manesco and Executive Chinese Chef Han Long Hua and discussed with other members of the diverse team at InterContinental Bangkok. We enjoyed dining at 4 of the different restaurants at the property: Espresso, Summer Palace,  Theo Mio, and Club InterContinental. Here are some of our favorites dishes and wines:

At Summer Palace, Chinese Cuisine by Han Long Hua:

• Snow fish with crab egg white and teriyaki sauce.
• Wagyu beef with black pepper corns
• Chilled whole coconut served with mango puree, sago pearls and ice cream.
• White Wine, Domaine Chandon, Chardonnay, Victoria, Australia.
• Red Wine, Caliterra, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile.

The warm, welcoming environment at the InterContinental Bangkok makes it easy to feel at home. Everyone we met represented the kindness characteristic of the Thai culture. We even met foreign repeat guests during our stay.

I asked Mr. P. Richard, a recurring French guest for more than 20 years why he continues to return to the property. He said “location, friendship, feeling at home, and perfect sleep quality.”

Dining Traveler Tip: Don’t miss cocktails and appetizers with a view from Club InterContinental Lounge. The lounge is on the 37th floor with a dazzling view of the city matched with excellent service.

The Facilities

No trip to Thailand is complete without a spa treatment! Even if you only have 48 hours in Bangkok, don’t pass up on their beautiful Spa InterContinental. Entering there gives you the feeling of going to the sea.

Infinity Fitness: the 24-hour fitness center is perfect to work out all the delicious food that Bangkok has to offer. Get your cardio on with panoramic views of Bangkok where you can work out and relax. The fitness center even has personal trainers ready to assist.

Oasis Pool: The rooftop swimming pool on the 37th floor offers a relaxed and informal setting as well as cocktails from the Oasis pool bar. Another great view from Bangkok’s skyscrapers.

What to do during 48 hours in Bangkok

You may not want to leave the InterContinental Bangkok BUT there’s plenty to see and do in city. Here are our recommendations:

• Wat Pho, one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok known also as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha
• Enjoy the food, busy life, tuk tuk ride to Chinatown Bangkok
• Erawan Shrine, featuring a gilded statue of the god Brahma where many people come to pray and it’s often the site of rituals and traditional dances.

The Verdict

Bangkok is a city of contrasts with action at every turn. The food, the colors, the people, and so much more make it one of the most dynamic cities in the world. If you’re looking for a luxury hotel to return to at the end of the day, InterContinental Bangkok is the place for you. With its charming staff, luxurious amenities, and central location, it’s the perfect oasis in Bangkok.

InterContinental Bangkok, 973 Phloen Chit Road, Lumpini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand Website

Disclaimer: I was graciously hosted by InterContinental Bangkok. As always, opinions are my own and it was a true pleasure to meet the friendly and professional team at the hotel. 

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Location

Eaton DC is located in Downtown Washington, DC on the corner of K and 12th St. It’s a short walk from Metro Center metro stop, Chinatown, White House, and City Center. I also like that it is accessible to more residential neighborhoods via public transportation or ride sharing.

The Scene

With its dark woods, dimmed lights, and stylish staff members, you’re transported to a different world from the everyday corporate looks of its neighboring structures in the city. Everything at Eaton DC is intentional: the front desk clerk handed me a small black velvet bag with crystals to affirm calm and fortune. With all the craziness of DC, especially in this current climate, this property is all about the Zen.

The Rooms

The rooms, although on the smaller side are decorated with attention to detail. Our room had a vinyl record player and records to accompany it. The shelves are lined with books, and the decor was warm and cozy. It does not feel like a hotel, instead of the guest room of a very stylish friend.

The Amenities

The amenities at Eaton DC takes wellness to a new level: it has a meditation room, yoga room, sauna, spa treatment rooms, and a gym. The fitness program is beyond the standard offerings at a hotel. Yoga classes are taught by staff members, and they also have alternative wellness events such as sound bath sessions. Special wellness events are also open to non-hotel guests, so it’s a great way to connect with locals.

The property also has a sound booth to record podcasts, a small theater, and a coworking space. One of the main themes of the hotel is how to bring together activism and the hospitality industry. Eaton DC features events such as talks and panel discussions to further the conversation.

Food and Beverage

Where do we start? The restaurant is American Son by local chef Tim Ma. I’ve been following Chef Tim Ma for several years now since my first interview with him. He continues to up his game in the kitchen drawing from his Chinese heritage, his southern upbringing, and his travels. These influences are all translated into the creative menu at American Son. The theme is diversity. You can have an impossible burger hash for brunch followed by a steak and frites for dinner.

For drinks, you can have cocktails at their rooftop bar, Wild Days. During the day is a chill environment where you can catch up with friends or indulge in a little me time. In the evenings it transforms into a high energy space with live DJs. The vibe is fun but not too “clubby,” perfect for people like me who want to dance and have a few drinks but have “retired” from the crazy club life.

For more chill cocktails, head to Allegory, their speakeasy bar tucked away in the back of the lobby. If you blink, you may miss it! It’s a more intimate environment than Wild Days with introspective art, large booths where you can cram in with friends or cuddle with your sweetheart and listen to the sounds of a live DJ.

Eaton DC: The Verdict

If you’re looking for a unique property at a reasonable price point for Washington, DC (Average room price during winter is $200-$250), consider Eaton DC. If you’re a local or staying somewhere else, consider just going for a coffee at Kitsugi, its coffee shop or drinks at their bars or checking out their yoga classes.

Eaton Workshop,  1201 K St NW, Washington, DC, Website

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