English writer and poet Samuel Johnson once said “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” No matter how many times I’ve been to London, my heart still skips a beat as the plane approaches the city below. There’s just something […]
Hotel Plaza e de Russie in Viareggio – Cooking Class in a Michelin-Starred Restaurant
Hotel Plaza e de Russie: Clowning around in a Renowned Tuscan Kitchen Viareggio, Tuscany: Filling and rolling out three different flavors of pasta looked easy when Luca Landi was doing it. Landi is the chef of Lunasia, the Michelin-starred restaurant of Viareggio’s Hotel Plaza e de Russie, and was conducting a cooking class for a […]
Puglia: Where to Stay on Italy’s Boot
The most characteristic choice for lodging in Puglia is a trullo, a stone hut topped by a cupola. These peasant dwellings, found only here in this region of Italy, date back to the 13th century, but don’t worry – those that have been turned into luxury hotels or rental properties are of more recent vintage, with all the mod […]
Five Places to Stay in Aix-en-Provence
In charming, lively Aix-en-Provence, lodgings abound for every taste and budget. This civilized, cultured, fountain-filled city in southern France has been a popular tourist destination for a very long time. Here are five hospitable choices in the historic center, close to the famous main boulevard, Cours Mirabeau: Hotel Cezanne 4-Star Hotel Cezanne, named for Aix’s […]
Where to Stay in Bologna, Italy
Where to Stay in Bologna The ancient city of Bologna has a thriving hotel scene, and though it is short on five-star accommodations, Bologna has numerous four and three-star ‘where to stay’ options. When choosing where to stay in Bologna, note that the city is quite spread out and that it’s best to stay […]
Where to Stay in Bordeaux
One of France’s larger cities, Bordeaux offers a great selection of ‘where to stay’ options, from five-star hotels to family-friendly B&Bs imbued with Bordeaux’s wine-culture style. Whereas in many areas of France, you cannot find truly luxurious accommodations worthy of the five-star designation, Bordeaux offers a solid selection, and the following list of ‘where […]
Where to Stay in Bilbao, Spain
A medium-sized city, Bilbao offers a good selection of ‘where to stay’ options; and there’s no excuse for staying outside of the city center, where the most important sights are located. The following where to stay in Bilbao hotel recommendations give preference to centrally located hotels as well as to hotels that offer complimentary WiFi, […]
Where to Stay in York, England
When choosing where to stay in York, England, the city’s medieval center calls out with 13th century city walls and views of the York Minster, one of the most impressive cathedrals in England if not Northern Europe. The following ‘where to stay’ options give preference to centrally located hotels in York as well as […]
Where to Stay in Turin Italy – Best Hotels in Turin for Every Budget
Where to Stay in Turin – Best Hotels in Turin In the northwest corner of Italy, the city of Turin is one of the largest cities in the country, and, though it is short on 5-star accommodations, it offers a solid range of ‘where to stay’ options. Turin is off the beaten path for most […]
Best Paris 3 Star Hotels and Budget accommodation – by Arrondissement
Best Paris 3 Star Hotels and Budget Hotels by Arrondissement Finding a great Paris 3 star hotel is a joy. There really are some 3 star hotels in Paris that are better than 4 star hotels. Stars many-times are awarded for amenities like larger rooms or restaurants, not on the quality of the hotel experience […]