Where to Stay When Visiting Dubrovnik

The Pucic Palace: We chose this historic hotel for a number of reasons, and we were thrilled with our choice. First of all, it is one of the very few hotels that is located right in the middle of the heart of Dubrovnik’s old town, so we were able to step out the door of our hotel and start exploring the historical part of the city and all that it has to offer without using any transportation. Second, it only has a handful of rooms, so it felt personal and cozy, unlike some of the huge resort-type hotels around Dubrovnik outside of the old town, which count dozens or even hundreds of rooms.

The Pucic Hotel also offers a wide variety of amenities, such as two restaurants, outdoor seating right next to the city’s lively daily farmer’s market, and a concierge who will assist you with suggestions and bookings for local restaurants and activities. Finally, the history of the hotel really added to our overall experience. Constructed in the 17th century as a palace for the Pucic family, it changed owners many times and survived an earthquake and two world wars. Eventually, it was fully restored, converted into a hotel, and opened to guests as the Pucic Palace in 2002.

What to Do

Tour the Old City of Dubrovnik: Walk along and atop the famed walls, visit the famous Pile Gate at the entrance to the old town, take pictures of the gorgeous Rector’s Palace, and take pictures of the cathedral you may recognize from Game of Thrones. You can spend hours wandering the old city, and we recommend doing it the day you arrive, to appreciate this historic city.

Take the Cable Car to Srd Hill: The cable car is affordable and fun–the views from the top of the hill are spectacular. You will revel in the sight of the gorgeous Adriatic Sea, the islands around Dubrovnik, and the walled city and surroundings of Dubrovnik. It’s the perfect low-key activity to do when visiting Dubrovnik.

Embark on a sunset cruise: We booked a boat tour with Explore Dubrovnik to watch the sunset, and it was truly spectacular. It was a private ride past old and new bridges, seaside towns, and summer villas and included a bottle of sparkling wine, blankets, and dreamy sunset views.

Where to Eat

Bowa: True to its name, the best place we dined while visiting Dubrovnik was easily Bowa (which stands for ‘Best of what’s around’). It is actually more of an experience than just a lunch! Through their website, you book an entire afternoon excursion. This includes pick up by speedboat from a small harbor called Brsecine, which we took an Uber to. Our VIP transport ferried us to a stunning bay called Vrbova, where we were escorted to our private open-air cabana, complete with a large dining table, chairs for sunbathing and lounging, and glasses of champagne. Our lunch consisted of several courses of food: fresh oysters, cheese and fruit platters, salads, marinated vegetables, fried tofu, and wine. In between courses, we walked down to the shore and swam in the warm waters, and enjoyed sweet, refreshing frozen pina coladas that were made to order even though we did not even have to order them. It was, quite honestly, the most perfect day.

Arsenal Restaurant: This picturesque restaurant in the old town serves gorgeous Mediterranean fare, including burrata with homemade pesto and greens, marinated zucchini drizzled in balsamic vinegar and sprinkled with hunks of tangy feta cheese and decadent truffle pasta drenched in a cream sauce.

Pizza Mirakul: For a casual pizza dinner while visiting Dubrovnik, stop by this spot in the old town. They have cheesy pizzas, baked lasagnas, fresh salads, and loads of Croatan wine.

Stara Loza: The salon at Stara Loza, also in the old town, has a gorgeous interior with floor-to-ceiling windows, an exquisite chandelier as the dining room focal point, a terrace, and equally stunning food. The views of the old town from the terrace are magnificent. For the food, indulge in items like tempura fried vegetables with savory bell pepper cream, spinach and ricotta gnocchi, local cheese, and delicious desserts.

Posat: For a fine dining experience outside of the old town, visit Posat. The elegant venue has a charming atmosphere and the most delicious Mediterranean dishes, including mushrooms au gratin, ravioli in an herb sauce,

Gelateria Dubrovnik: The perfect evening ends with a scoop of heavenly gelato from this family-owned business. The Toblerone flavor is magical, as is the white chocolate with biscuit and fig with hazelnuts.

Where to Drink

D’Vino Wine Bar: Stop by for a glass (or two!) or Croatian wine at this old-town wine bar.

Buza Bar: This charming cliffside bar in Old Town was our favorite; we stopped by several times for a beer or cocktail and views of the Adriatic. It’s literally built into the rocks below the fortified walls, so skip the high heels and enjoy the views!

Cave Bar: If you want to check out some of the surrounding areas while visiting Dubrovnik, visit the Cave Bar in Lapad, an upscale neighborhood that is full of resorts and restaurants. The Cave bar is glamorous and fun, with good spaces for Instagram-worthy pictures.

Visiting Dubrovnik: The Verdict

Dubrovnik is the perfect place to visit if you want to explore the streets of a historical city: indulge in copious amounts of fresh Mediterranean fare and marvel at the shimmering Adriatic sea.

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Where to Stay in Montevideo

We spent a total of three nights on our weekend trip to Montevideo. We stayed in the tiny, quaint Hotel Palacio, which met all of our needs: close to different local sites and cafes, comfortable, and affordable. The hotel is located in the Cuidad Vieja, which is the old part of town where you can find most of the historical sites. It is within walking distance of the Cordón and Palermo neighborhoods, where you can find many of the best bars and restaurants in Montevideo!

What to do

Curioso City Walking Tour: We loved this walk through the Cuidad Vieja, where we learned all about Uruguay’s history. We visited Independence Square, stopped at the famous Puerto Mercado, took pictures at the Cuidadela Gate, and went into the Artigas Mausoleum. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the city and gave us detailed insight into the culture, politics, and history of Uruguay at large.

A Stroll Along La Rambla: La Rambla is one of the longest sidewalks in the world, and it happens to be along Montevideo’s beautiful waterfront. During a walk along La Rambla, you will see surfers, swimmers, sunbathers, volleyball players, musicians, beachside cafes, and more. Because we visited Uruguay in December, during its summer, the beach was packed with locals enjoying the warm weather. The walkway links Cuidad Vieja with Carrasco, although we didn’t walk quite that far. We strolled for several miles and then jumped off for a cocktail in Cordón. I highly recommend spending an afternoon wandering down La Rambla during your weekend in Montevideo. It’s a great way to enjoy the local life!

Where to Eat and Drink

Our weekend in Montevideo was not without several delicious culinary experiences. We tried to visit spots in the ciudad vieja and different neighborhoods such as Cordón and Carrasco.

Escaramuza Café: We loved this gorgeous café in Cordon so much that we went back twice. You enter first into a charming bookstore, where the bookshelves are filled with books all the way to the ceiling, and then walk straight back into a plant and light-filled patio, where guests lounge for hours over coffee and the most delicious pastries, including an absolutely divine dulce de leche lava cake. From scones to brownies to tortas to tartas this spot is a dessert lovers’ paradise and a dreamy location for whiling away an afternoon during your weekend in Montevideo.

Federacion: Check out this sidewalk café and treat yourself to hot chocolate and a buttery croissant.

Cafe Brasilero: Small but historically significant as the oldest cafe in Montevideo, a stop at this cafe is an absolute must during a weekend in Montevideo. Located in Cuidad Vieja, we found the cafe to be relaxing and cozy, with great cappuccinos!

Café La Farmacia: This is a great breakfast spot in Ciudad Vieja, with a charming old-world ambiance, warm lattes, and simple breakfast dishes like avocado toast and cheese empanadas.

Dueto Cocina Urbana: Like Argentina, Uruguay serves up plenty of delicious Italian fare, thanks to the influence of Italian immigrants. Dueto is a charming and elegant venue with simple Italian fare, including pastas, freshly made bread, salads, and desserts. Helpful tip: This restaurant is right next door to Hotel Palacio in the Cuidad Vieja!

Manzanar: For a super trendy dining experience during your weekend in Montevideo, try Manzanar. Tasty cocktails combined with a hip décor and menu eclectic menu featuring everything from pizza to sushi, we ate, drank and people watched for hours. Manzanar is located in Carrasco, a neighborhood that is a on the other side of town from the old city, but is a modern, high-end part of town where some of the more upscale dining venues are located.

Namaste: It’s always interesting to see how other countries interpret the cuisine of other cultures. We visited this unique spot for lunch and indulged in a fusion fare that included wok-fried noodles, curry-infused risotto, and vegetarian chivitos, which are traditional Uruguayan sandwiches.

Baker’s Bar, KFE, and Office Bar: Fun and filled with locals. Stop by any of these spots for a quick drink on your way to dinner or after dinner!

The Verdict

A weekend in Montevideo is fun, interesting, and relaxing. From the historical sites to the bevy of cafes to the lovely beachfront La Rambla to the variety of dining options, we had a blast and highly recommend this city for visiting!

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Where to Stay in Roatán

Ibagari Hotel: This hotel is one of the dreamiest places I have been lucky enough to visit. There is nowhere else I would recommend staying in Roatán. The reasons in favor of choosing Igabari are multi-faceted.

First, the rooms. The suites at Ibagari are huge, with private plunge pools, patios, and gorgeous showers. Our room featured a king bed with slide doors that opened up to a patio complete with a cool private pool, lush vegetation, lounge chairs, and a small dining table for in-suite snacks. We loved relaxing in our little pool with beers from our mini fridge and in our lounge chairs with coffee first thing in the morning.

Second, the amenities. Ibagari, a private beachfront hotel, has a gorgeous pool with a hot tub, an alfresco library for reading and lounging, and plenty of lounge chairs along the ocean where you can lay out and read a good book while listening to the sound of the waves crashing. A hotel gift shop has souvenirs and necessary items you may have forgotten at home, like sunscreen and painkillers.

Finally, the service. The staff is incredibly charming and offers extras like an evening champagne toast at sunset, live music at dinner time, and recommendations for cocktails. No request was too small for the friendly team at Igabari!

What to Do:

Explore the Barrier Reef: One of the main attractions of Roatán is that it features the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Which in turn, makes Ibagari an ideal venue for exploring Roatán because it includes an on-site scuba shop that offers scuba classes for certification and daily snorkeling tours. We decided to go on a snorkeling tour which was absolutely phenomenal. Our tour only included four people, and our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful in educating us about what fish we would see. We made three stops and could see everything from luminous rainbow parrotfish, barracudas, angelfish, coral, turtles, and so much more. The team brought along a cooler of beer, water, and bubbles to enjoy on the boat in between stops and tasty snacks.

Take a Sunset Cruise: One evening, we took a private sunset cruise, complete with a cheese plate of local cheeses, fresh fruit, and sparkling wine. We admired the glistening water, the cool breeze, and the colorful sunset. It was a spectacular way to take in everything the Caribbean offers.

Visit the Spa: Ibagari Hotel has an excellent spa. I indulged in a super relaxing massage more than once!  

Walk the Island: From Igabari, you can walk along the ocean and visit other resorts and even get to the west end downtown area of Roatan, where they have shops and cafes.

What to Eat and Drink:

Luna Muna: The Ibagari hotel has a lovely on-site restaurant with a diverse menu. For breakfast, I recommend avocado toast with poached eggs, pancakes, or the caracola breakfast. Caracola refers to the local community, and so this breakfast is a great way to sample a traditional Honduran Bay breakfast. Eggs cooked to order are served with meaty red beans, fried plantains, local cheese, slice avocado, and a tomato dipping sauce. It is super hearty and flavorful. And DEFINITELY get the freshly squeezed juice of the day! We enjoyed watermelon juice one day, pineapple the next, and even a delicious cantaloupe juice. For lunch, try the lentils bowl with yuca fried bread and the pasta with freshly made pesto for dinner. Cocktails are made with fresh fruits grown in Roatán, and local beers are perfect as a poolside beverage. If you love the cocktails as much as we did, you can sign up for a cocktail-making class!

The Verdict:

Igabari gave us exactly what we needed: time outdoors, beautiful sunsets, pool and beach time, and the chance to slow down and enjoy life.

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I have not done much travel in the Middle East, so a layover in Doha, Qatar seemed like a good opportunity to see a different part of the world. While I didn’t really know what to expect, Doha was lovely surprise – there was delicious food and plenty to do for a day. Here are my tips is you happen to have an overnight layover in Doha as well.

Where to Stay

Al Bidda Boutique Hotel: Downtown Doha is mostly concrete and skyscrapers, so I recommend staying in the Souq Waqif, which is the old part of town. Souq Waqif means “standing market” which is fitting because the area is consists of a huge market with shops selling clothes, handicrafts, ornaments, spices, jewelry, and more. The area also includes a series of Tivoli hotels called the Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels.

The group of nine hotels are all walking distance from one another; all of them are opulent and Arabian-themed. We chose to stay in the Al Bidda boutique hotel, which featured a gorgeous lobby restaurant, massive rooms with a sitting area, walk in shower and stand alone tub. Service was impeccable, and all of the Souq Waqif hotels have any kind of amenity you could possibly want. It’s the perfect place to stay during a long layover in Doha, Qatar.

Where to Eat

 
There are plenty of places to eat during a long layover in Doha, Qatar. Most of the Souq Waqif hotels have a restaurant. Since you can walk in between the hotels you can choose to eat any of the restaurants. Considering how hot it is I do recommend that you take advantage of the free golf cart transport between hotels. Hotel staff will make a quick call and a chauffeured cart will appear in front of the hotel in a matter of minutes!

Al Terrace: We took a ride over to the Al Mirqub hotel from our hotel, where we had a decadent lunch at Al Terrace. The Lebanese restaurant serves delicious Middle Eastern fare; we stuffed our faces with hummus, pita, fresh salads, falafel, potatoes, fresh juices and more.

Spice Market: Because we wanted wine with our dinner, we jumped in an Uber to downtown. Qatar is largely a dry country, but Western-owned hotels are permitted to serve alcohol. We enjoyed spring rolls, dumplings, curries, fried rice and wok fried vegetables in an ornate, romantic setting.

What to Do During a Long Layover in Doha, Qatar

Experience the Souq Waqif

Take your time and wander through the souq at your leisure. Even if you don’t buy anything it is fun to wander through the market and see all of the interesting items for sale. Stop for an ice cream… or an iced coffee! I highly recommend a cold treat because Doha is brutally hot! Even in October it was 107 degrees! The market opens up at 4pm, due to the heat, so it’s a great pre-dinner activity.

Visit a Spa

One of the best things you can do during a long layover in Doha, is to get a massage! During the day, when it is too hot to be outside, I highly recommend treating to yourself to some spa treatments at one of the Souq Waqif hotels. I got a massage and it was delightful. There are steam rooms and gyms you can use, and the quality of the massage was surreal. I got to choose the scent of oils used, and the atmosphere was tranquil and relaxing.

The Verdict

The opulence of Doha alone is something to marvel at. From service to cleanliness to art and architecture, you will marvel when visiting this city. A long layover in Doha, Qatar is certainly not a waste and is undoubtedly an incredibly unique experience!

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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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All about our staycation at Hyatt Tysons Corner: 

Location:  Location, Location, Location! The Hyatt Tysons Corner scores high on the location meter. It’s located right next to the Tysons Corner Mall.  There’s literally a door that takes you right into the mall.  I haven’t been to Tysons Corner mall in a while and love what they’ve done in terms of entertainment and shopping options.  Whether you’re a couple on a weekend escape or a family, there’s plenty that the mall has to offer: shopping, wide dining range, and a full-service movie theater.  In terms of geographic location, it’s equidistant from Dulles Airport and Downtown Washington, DC.  The new Silver Line on the metro takes you straight to Washington, DC without the hassle of parking or traffic.

Rooms: We were fortunate to be upgraded to the Presidential Suite which was fabulous.  The Hyatt Tysons Corner is a new property and it reflects on the modern decor of the suite:  a beautiful neutral color palette with pops of color in the right places, fashion coffee books lining the office, and beautiful view extending to the forests of Northern Virginia.  I don’t get lucky with the upgrades all the time so I made sure to check out the standard rooms: they are spacious, with beautiful modern decor, and tons of natural light.

The Food:  We dined at Barrel & Bushel, the hotel’s restaurant on a Saturday night. Dining Traveler Tip: make sure to make a reservation ahead of time as it was quite busy when we arrived.  The restaurant was bustling with a mix of hotel guests and locals, a very lively scene. The menu is classic American dishes, mostly in small plates for guests to share. We indulged in delicious fried chicken sliders, 72-hour braised pork belly, and crab avocado toasts.  Everything was delicious but very rich! Make sure to book on your cheat day! Thankfully we took advantage of the gym at Hyatt Tysons Corner the following day!

Amenities: The hotel has an ample sized gym with a good selection of cardio, machines, and free weights. The airy and bright fitness center is also equipped with water, headphones, and towels.  After our workout, we took a look at the indoor pool which is decent sized, with great natural light, and lifeguard on duty.  Another perk of the hotel is free parking. Living in the DC area this is very hard to come by. If your trip to the DC area involves driving, I suggest staying outside of the city as parking rates in the city are ridiculous ($40-50 a night in major hotels).

The Verdict: If you’re looking for a property with close access to both Washington, DC and Northern, VA the Hyatt Tysons Corner is the place for you. The hotel strikes the perfect balance for business and family, it has a great dining options nearby to cater to every taste, and it’s just steps away from great shopping! Looking for a staycation?  The hotel currently has a 10% off sale for their Hyatt Passport Members (membership is free).

Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner Center, 7901 Tysons One Place, Tysons Corner, Virginia, USA, 22102; https://tysonscornercenter.regency.hyatt.com

Disclaimer:  The Hyatt Tysons Corner graciously hosted my stay. As always, opinions are my own…

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All about our recent stay at Loews Philly:

The location:  Loews Philly is located on Market St and 12th Street, a short walk to one of my favorite places in Philly, Reading Market.  The market is a foodie heaven!  You can find everything from a greasy spoon to barbecue to oysters to even German food.   After we indulged in leberkäse (German meatloaf) we walked off the calories as we headed to Liberty Bell park, a fifteen minute walk from the hotel.

The location is one of my favorite features of the hotel.  There is a Philly Indego (shared bicycles) stand right around the corner of the property.  We took a bike ride to the Philadelphia Museum of Art which steps are known as the “Rocky Steps”.  We did some shopping on 13^th Street with its unique boutiques and restaurants.  Another must-see place located close to the hotel is “Gayborhood”.  Don’t be fooled by the name!  There are plenty of restaurants and bars for every taste.  We dined at Jose Garces’ Trading Company and walked around the neighborhood on a beautiful summer night.  Keep your eyes open as there is plenty of art to be seen as the city is abundant with murals.

The room:  Our room was on the 17^th floor of Loews Philly.  It was bright and airy with a comfortable bed, large bathroom, and great view of the city.   Although located in the middle of the city, the room was quiet, a nice break from all the sounds and sights.  We also took advantage of the complimentary standard Wi-Fi in the room to get work done.  Now that I’m working remotely, Wi-Fi is a must while I’m traveling.

The Hotel:  Although the hotel is in the heart of Philly, once you step into the building, you’re transported to a peaceful space.  The gym has a lap pool with plenty of natural light and a great selection of workout equipment .  If you had one too many cheesesteaks, the Loews Philly fitness facility has you covered!  The one hidden gem of the hotel is the view from the 33^rd floor.  If you want to see one of the most epic views of the city, head to the top floor of Loews Philly to take in the shiny high-rise buildings alongside classic architecture, and the Schuylkill  River.

The verdict:  If you’re headed to Philly for a city trip with access to many of the key sights by foot, Loews Philly is the hotel for you.  From the simple modern design to friendly service, I’ve had two great stays at this hotel.  The one regret is that I didn’t get to try the food in the hotel but with so many great dining choices surrounding the hotel, it was hard to keep up with it all!

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The Hotel: The Hotel Monaco Denver is located in the city center, which is great if you are doing business in the city or just want to walk to shops and restaurants. It also makes a good base if going on day trips as it has an easy access to the highway. The downside of having a car: the hotel only offers valet parking at $38, however, we found a self-park lot on the same block for $16 a day. If you want to explore the city, the hotel has bikes you can borrow for the day. The bikes are available first come, first serve. We took one for the day and explored museums, craft breweries, and rode along the Cherry Creek.

The Room: When we first arrived to our deluxe room, we noticed a strong smell of cigarettes. The hotel is a non-smoking hotel and we were surprised about the smell. We called the front desk and were immediately moved to another room, this one being a suite. Aside from the cigarette smell, the deluxe room was a comfortable size and beautifully decorated. It even came with a goldfish! Our suite was just as beautiful, it was quite roomy with a separate living room area and large bathroom. What impressed me the most was the service. It was already late (around 10:30pm) and the front desk had us in a new room in less than 10 minutes.

The Service: The service was friendly and professional. From the bellhop going out of his way to help size and air our bikes to the quick room change, the service was on point.  The lobby area was always stocked with infused water and coffee flowed freely in the morning.

The Food:  We had dinner at Panzano, the Italian restaurant at the hotel.  Panzano is quite popular with locals, constantly voted one of the top restaurants in Denver.  We had dinner there our last evening and enjoyed the lively atmosphere, the knowledgeable waiter, and the open kitchen of executive chef Elise Wiggins.  The cuisine is inspired by Northern Italy and you can see that in the hearty pastas such as the lamb ragu with homemade malfadine pasta and pastiche, a decadent dish with layers of cheese tortellini and spicy meatballs.  The waiter insisted we order the ceasar salad. When we bit into the grilled hearts of romaine with a rich ceasar dressing topped with salty anchovies, I almost shed a tear of happiness.  A simple salad was turned into an experience.  I also loved the iPad wine list.  You can tap on each wine to get detailed information about the wine and suggested pairings.

The Verdict:  Great hotel in a moderate price range (avg nightly rate $160), superb amenities (free wine and bicycles),  and comfortable rooms.  Although the Hotel Monaco Denver is part of the larger Kimpton brand, you can see the local touches throughout the property.  Another stay to reaffirm why Kimpton is one of my favorite hotel brands.

* Disclaimer: Part of my stay was sponsored by Hotel Monaco Denver. As always, opinions are my own.

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The scene:  Isla Verde (the main area of San Juan) is lined with hotels and condos which cater to tourists.  The hotel is located in the furthest end of Isla Verde in a secluded area, immediately giving you an air of exclusivity as you enter.  Upon checking in, you are welcomed with champagne by a friendly staff member.  Compared to larger resorts in the area, I appreciate the more personal vibe of the hotel without taking away the amenities of a luxury resort.

The room:  Our deluxe ocean view room was large and airy with the perfect light coming in.  The décor was luxurious yet minimalistic.  We loved the Asprey London toiletries and the ample size of the bathroom.  We also enjoyed how quiet and peaceful the room environment was.  We barely heard any noise of other guests.  It truly made us feel completely relaxed after a busy road trip along the east coast of the island.

The food:  We had brunch at BLT Steak, which had a special mother’s day buffet which was decadently abundant.  We noticed most of the guests were locals there with their families celebrating Mother’s Day.  There were several stations available: seafood, sushi, pastries, cheese, and a hot food station. The executive chef does an excellent job at merging the flavors of the island along with an international selection.  For breakfast, we enjoyed the continental buffet at Las Brisas.  We sat poolside with a café con leche and quesitos (traditional Puerto Rican puff pastry filled with cream cheese) reflecting on a great trip to Puerto Rico.

The service:  The friendliness I experience but also observed from the staff was exceptional.  During  our brunch, we noticed a waiter helping an elderly woman select her food from the buffet.  I noticed a staff member entertain a child while the parents were trying to place their order. The front desk receptionist noticed my Dutch last name and we struck a conversation about living in Europe (she grew up in Germany).

Pool and Beach:  The pool area is smaller than the other larger resorts in the area but the way it is designed makes room for everyone.  However, if you have a vast ocean in front of you, you might as well take advantage of it!  We loved the attention to detail in the pool area: dispensers with sun block and aloe vera gel.  The beach area is great as it is secluded from the main beach area of Isla Verde due to a natural barrier.  It’s quiet enough to lounge, have a cocktail, take a dip, and read a book.

The verdict:  If you’re looking for a luxury escape, beach views, great service, and good food, this is the place for you. The gem of our stay was the service.  Not only for us, but how we observed the staff treating other guests.  That is what makes a stay unforgettable.  Tip: the Ritz Carlton honors government rates depending on availability.  If you are military/government, look into those rates while booking. (I used the government rate on my first visit and saved 25%)

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The Hotel:  When you arrive to the Mandarin Oriental Taipei, you are taken to a side street where the entrance is located.  The staff says this is done to preserve the privacy of their guests.  Upon arrival,  you are welcomed by dapper bellmen who already know your name and enter a magical room topped with layers of glimmering Czech crystal.  After check-in I was accompanied by the receptionist to receive a tour of my room and answer any questions about the hotel and amenities.

The Room:  I stayed in a club room on the 17th floor of the hotel with a beautiful view of Dunhua Rd.  One of the things that I loved about Taipei upon descending into the city is how green it is.  Dunhua Rd is lined with large green trees making it an oasis in a busy city.  The room is large and plush. As much as I want to dive into the city and explore, the comfortable bed, natural light, and relaxing tub seem to draw me in.  It is apparent the theme of the hotel is details.  You can also see this in the room from fresh orchids,  carved leather headboards, and Diptyque Paris toiletries.  I slept like a baby in the plush bed and the light controls of the blinds are perfect if you are jetlagged and need a mid day nap.

The Food:  For the sake of brevity I will be posting a blog exclusively about the culinary offerings of the Mandarin Oriental Taipei in the near future but for now I will share a brief summary.  I began with lunch at Ya Ge, a Cantonese restaurant with a modern twist.  The menu walks the line between traditional and experimental.  One of the highlights of the meal was a egg white, crab, and truffle steamed dumpling.  The melange of flavors fell beautifully on the palate.  For breakfast I took turns between the Club Lounge and Un Deux Trois.  Although I loved tea time at the Club Lounge with foie gras filled waffles, I preferred the breakfast experience at Un Deux Trois.  The breakfast has a buffet lined with local fruit and pastries and you can also order a la carte.  The a la carte menu has both traditional Chinese items and western breakfast staples such as eggs Benedict.  I enjoyed eating dim sum for breakfast with Ruinart Champagne which is included in the breakfast.

The Experience:  The hotel is not just a hotel but an experience for out of town guests and locals alike: you can see stylish locals indulging in guava macaroons at the Mandarin Oriental Taipei Cake shop.  The shop executive chef is world pastry champion Frank Haasnoot and he has merged flavors from around the world to make perfect confections.  The hotel is also tied to a luxury shopping area lined with designer shops to augment your luxury experience.  Every staff member seems to know your name as they greet you upon entering any area in the hotel.  If I ever wondered how it feels to be a celebrity, this is probably it.

The Service: I’ve had my share of luxury travel experiences, but I must say my best experiences have been in Asia.  The customer service is unparalleled.  After being away from the region for eight years, my opinion was taken to the next level with this experience.  It’s a place where the staff gets to know you. I enjoyed my chats with Ryan at the Club Lounge where he gave me tips about what to see.  When I left my passport at the hotel, the business center receptionist sat with me to help me find the most efficient way to get home.

The Verdict:  Whether it is the fresh flowers lining the hotel or a receptionist taking the time to write a sightseeing itinerary for you, the hotel’s attention to detail is impeccable.  Despite the luxury of the decor, the glass chandeliers, or the soft linens, what I will remember the most is the fabulous staff at the Mandarin Oriental Taipei.  A hotel can be fabulous but the people running the show, making the place tidy, and creating the food are what makes it an unforgettable experience.  What is the most luxurious stay you’ve ever had?

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