The Scene

The Lafayette is an elegant refined, and quiet, perfect for a breakfast meeting or breakfast date. (Yes breakfast dates are a thing!) White tablecloths, excellent service, and a display of breakfast pastries make for a great backdrop for conversation. It’s also a wonderful venue for dining if you are visiting DC and want to check out one of the city’s best fine dining options.

The Food

There are so many tempting choices on The Lafayette’s breakfast menu, you will have a hard time picking just one item! Definitely start with a pastry: the cranberry bread is rustic and earthy, the almond pastry is sweet and buttery, and the scones are dense and savory. Then, move on to an entree. The eggs benedict are smothered in an oh-so-creamy hollandaise sauce, and the bagel comes with a perfectly boiled egg, tomatoes, capers, and cream cheese. For something truly decadent, get the oatmeal souffle. It has a crisp top and gooey, melted center that is reminiscent of cookie dough. The smooth berry sauce on the side is bright, sweet and tart. Be sure to enjoy the restaurant’s coffee and one of their wonderful fresh squeezed juices: the watermelon juice is especially addictively refreshing.

The Lafayette: Verdict

The Lafayette offers a breakfast that is bound to impressive anyone. Make sure you have a reservation; the restaurant is well-known for its good food and it is often completely booked, even for breakfast.

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Review of Hotel Le Crystal Montreal:

The Location:  Le Crystal Hotel is located in the city center of Montreal.  If you’re a business traveler, this is a great location to be as it is walking distance to many of the conference centers and large businesses in the city. Despite its central location, it’s located on Rue de la Montagne which is a quiet side street.  Also has quick access to the metro and bus lines.  If you love to walk like I do, it will take you 30 minutes to get to Old Montreal.  Dining Traveler Tip:  Have a drink nearby at Bier Markt.

The Scene: As you enter the hotel, you immediately know why it has the name “Le Crystal Hotel”.  There are several shimmering chandeliers with one main crystal structure which sits at the end of the lobby.  The staff is young, friendly, and stylish with its front desk staff sporting sharp black suits and bright red lipstick.

The Rooms:  We had a suite room with a separate sitting area, kitchenette, and bedroom.  The suite was pretty compact yet comfortable. The décor is modern with a neutral palette. I always enjoy a room with a kitchenette area in which you can bring drinks and snacks from the outside, it’s always more affordable than the minibar. The bathroom area was large and it had toiletries from Amerispa to include bath salts and loofah sponges. It’s all about the little things!  The one point of improvement is that the last day I asked for a late room cleaning from housekeeping and they never showed up. I told the front desk and also pressed the “make up room” button on when I left the room to no avail.  Aside from that, everything in the room was worked just fine.

The Food:  In true Montreal foodie fashion, the food at Le Crystal Hotel Montreal was great!  Our first morning at the hotel, we had room service breakfast.  It was a colorful platter of delicious breads, fruit, and yogurt.  The continental breakfast included with the room rate was delicious as well. I loved the modern rustic décor of the La Coupole, the property’s restaurant with its black walls and rustic white plates nailed to the walls.

We also had dinner at La Copule.  The vibe was relaxed yet elegant.  The restaurant was moderately busy with a combination of locals and hotel guests.  The restaurant focuses on local and seasonal products of the Quebec region. We enjoyed the cheese platter of local cheese as a starter. I then devoured the duck confit which was served with spaetzle and sweet potatoes.

The Amenities: Although the hotel has a boutique feel to it, it has plenty of amenities to choose from.  As a new digital nomad, I appreciate good wi-fi.  The wi-fi connection was great.  I was able to upload photos and make a few skype calls flawlessly.  We also took advantage of the gym on the top floor of the hotel with a great view of the city, which had a beautiful view of Mont Royal.  There is also a full size indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, and spa on the top floor of the hotel.

The Verdict: Despite the housekeeping snafu, I am happy we choose Le Crystal Hotel Montreal as our home away from home.  The hotel had all the luxuries we love with friendly and accommodating staff.  I love a luxury hotel that can balance a beautiful accommodation with an approachable staff.  If you’re looking for a place that strikes the perfect balance between business and leisure accommodation, the Hotel Le Crystal is for you.

* Disclaimer: Part of my stay was sponsored by Hotel Le Crystal Montreal but as always, opinions are my own. 

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The Scene:  My friend Carlis from Spicy Candy DC and I were on a road trip through the west coast of the island.  We arrived to Grateful Souls Hostel on a rainy Sunday afternoon.  The owner was not in town that day and there were no guests at the main house.  We called the manager, Jose whose number was at the door. He arrived shortly after our call and gave us a small tour of the house.  The house is large and spacious tucked into a small residential neighborhood.  There is a large balcony in the back of the house which lends a gorgeous view of the ocean.  The property also offers surfboards for rent and other beach items for you to either borrow or rent.  Dining Traveler Tip:  We hear the best time to go to the Aguada area for surfing is is in the winter months.

The rooms:  We had our own room with two comfortable full sized beds.  The bathroom was shared but we were the only guests so we didn’t have the full hostel experience in that sense.  Overall, the room was comfortable.  For those who haven’t stayed at a hostel before: make sure to bring your own towels and toiletries as they are not provided.

The location:  There had been a lot of rain the weekend we arrived so the beach was a little murky, so we did not jump in the water.  However, the beach area was very clean and we also ran into a few locals walking their dogs. Don’t miss the sunset!  Gorgeous view from the beach area in front of the house.

For beach time, we headed to Crashboat beach in Aguadilla, a thirty minute drive from the hostel for crystal clear waters and lively vibes. It’s one of my favorite beaches in Puerto Rico.  Also, you MUST eat at Marullos Art Cuisine Restaurant just a five minute drive from the hostel.  We loved it so much, we ate there two nights in a row!

My experience:  Although this is not my usually style of travel, I am glad I was open to experience Grateful Souls Hostel. I think it would have been different if there were more people staying at the property.  I always hear that one of the highlights of staying at a hostel is the people you meet.  However, everything was clean, there was high-speed internet, and we felt safe. At the time, Puerto Rico was going through a drought and water rationing was in effect.  After a day at the beach we went to shower and there was no water! I wish the management would have left a note letting us know the water schedule.

The verdict:  For years, one of my gripes about travel in Puerto Rico was the lack of affordable lodging options.  I am glad to see more unique options currently being offered. Grateful Souls Hostel adds a unique and affordable lodging experience to the island.  For locals, the west coast has long been a destination for a weekend trip with its gorgeous beaches and laid back vibes.  The property represents just that.

Disclaimer: I was graciously hosted by Acacia Boutique Hotel in a collaboration with Poshpacker, an up and coming travel booking site featuring unique and affordable properties throughout the world.

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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 Room:  There are several buildings at El Conquistador Resort.  Our room was at Las Brisas which had a beautiful view of the ocean, the pool, and the marina.  The building sits high, which gives you a great vantage point of the property.  Our deluxe room was large with a queen sized bed, a chaise, and a balcony.  The bathroom and closet area were quite large as well.  I was pleasantly surprised to see Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries in the bathroom, which makes you feel in the lap of luxury even more.

The Food:  There are plenty of dining choices at the hotel.  You can literally stay there for a weekend and not eat at the same place twice!  We had dinner at Chops, the steakhouse of the resort.  The setting is perfect for a romantic evening with its red velvet décor, dim lights, and sexy ambiance.  One of the things that is sometimes lost at a large resort is a local touch when it comes to food.  Not so at El Conquistador. We indulged on chicharron of lamb glazed with guava sauce, traditional Puerto Rican mofongo (mashed fried plantains), and scallops on a bed of local mango.  However, the sweet ending is what did us in: a pineapple crumble (made of local pineapples) topped with coconut ice cream. It was like tasting a pina colada pie!

Palomino Island:  If there’s a number one reason why you should stay at El Conquistador Resort, it should be Palomino Island.  How many hotels can boast that they have their own island?  This tiny jewel is accessible to the hotel by a ferry that takes guests to the idyllic island.  The sand is white and there is plenty to do.  We took a hike to the top of the island and took in the beauty of the Puerto Rican coast line.  If you are not the lounging type (I’m not!), there’s plenty to do.  You can rent snorkels, small sailboats, kayaks, and stand up paddleboards to keep you busy in the water.  We also indulged in frozen rum cocktails from the Don Q Bar at the island.  With a view like the one at Palomino, a frozen cocktail is mandatory!

The Pools:  There are several pools to choose from at the resort, which is perfect to disperse the crowds.  There is nothing more disappointing than being at a resort with a crowded pool!  The pools are well kept and the main pool has a vacation essential: the swim up bar.

The Service:  The service was friendly at all areas of the hotel.  For a hotel with more than 1,200 employees, I enjoyed how the staff was not only friendly to the guests, but to one another.  I enjoyed the banter between the bartenders at Palomino, it made me feel at home.  The only point for improvement was the check-out process. We waited 20 minutes to check out of the hotel.  It would be more efficient to have more front desk staff or an express checkout system.

Location:  Although the resort is in a secluded area of Fajardo, there’s plenty in the local area you don’t want to miss.  I highly recommend to rent a car to get to the resort and for you to have a touch of the local experience.  Head to the kiosks of Luquillo and mingle with locals.  You can get from fried cod fritters to gourmet hamburgers.  Head to El Yunque, the only rainforest in the US National Park System.  To avoid the crowds, head to the park on weekdays in the late afternoon.  You can spend hours hiking in nature.

What to know:  Food and drink at El Conquistador Resort is not included in the room rate.  Cocktails and food are moderately priced.  Make sure to budget for incidentals and food.  If coming by car, you can save by doing self-parking versus valet.  On weekends, many locals come to the resort for a weekend getaway therefore the resort area may be a bit more crowded.  Take your time!  There’s plenty to do in the resort.  From watersports at Palomino to an 18-hole golf course, I recommend reserving a tee-time or spa treatments prior to your arrival.

The verdict:  From a spontaneous weekend getaway to a destination wedding, El Conquistador Resort is a great bet.  I have been visiting the hotel for almost 15 years and like a good wine, the resort gets better with age.  The property has done a great job at balancing luxury and bringing the local elements of Puerto Rico, which as a Puerto Rican, I truly appreciated.

Note: I was hosted by El Conquistador Resort. As always, opinions are my own.

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The Room:  I had a suite on the 10^th floor.  It was a pity I arrived late at night and left very early in the morning because it had a view of the Chicago O’Hare flight line.  For those aircraft enthusiasts (like my husband), it would have been the perfect room!  The room was decorated with original art throughout, the bed was nice and comfy, and the seating area of the suite living room/office area is perfect to keep work separate from sleep.  My favorite part of the room was its spacious bathroom, with a separate tub and shower and modern sink.  Perfect for a pre/post flight soak.

The Art:  As you arrive in the lobby, you start seeing works of art throughout the Loews O’Hare Chicago Hotel.  I started walking around the property and noticed all the meeting areas and hallways are lined with original art.  One of the employees explained to me that not only was the art original but it was mostly created by local artists and available for sale.  I spent an hour walking around the lobby and conference area admiring a wide range of works from a modern sculptures to oil paintings.  For those just spending the night due to a flight delay or business travel, it gives you a snapshot of Chicago’s art scene.

The Food:  My stay was very short and I did not have the chance to eat at the hotel but I did notice there were a few dining options available.  The hotel had a Fresco 21 in the lobby, a Capital Grille, and McCormick & Schmicks.  Whether you are snowed in or staying for leisure, there seems to be quite a few choices.

The Location:  It took less than 15 minutes by shuttle (free from the hotel, runs every 30 minutes) to get to Chicago O’Hare Airport.  I also noticed that there’s walking distance activities in the area.  There’s a convention center nearby, an outlet mall behind the hotel, and a movie theater.  Flight cancelled?  Maybe the universe wants you to catch up with shopping and movies.

The Service:  Despite checking out at 4am, both the shuttle driver and the front desk staff were smiling and courteous.  Also, I appreciated the staff member who randomly saw me looking at the art and explained to me the concept.  It’s all about the little things.

The Verdict:  Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel has all the boutique elements that characterize the Loews brand but the convenience of an airport hotel such as shuttle service and affordable rates (starting at $99 per night).  The hotel was going through some renovations in the lobby area so it was a little messy upon arrival, but I was told the new front desk design will be unveiled pretty soon. It’s easy to look down on airport hotels but if you have business nearby or an early flight, this is a great bet.

* Disclaimer: I was hosted by Loews Chicago O’Hare Airport but as always, opinions are my own.

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