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Located across the street from St. Stephen’s Green and a short block away from Grafton Street, The Fitzwilliam Hotel is perfectly located for a traveler like me. St. Stephen’s Green is a gorgeous park, filled with verdant green plants, a large pond and charming spots for reading, relaxing and...
It is St. Patrick’s Day and I can’t help but remember spending a few days at Ashford Castle in Cong, Ireland. From our window at the Castle, I could see a moat, the steel gray stone tower and battlements and know that the 13th century building was once a true castle—a retreat to keep one […]
Yesterday I had an opportunity to do a behind-the-scenes tour of the more than 100 year old hotel in the center of Grand Rapids, MI. It was interesting to see the kitchens, laundry and back of the house workings of this Grand Rapids institution. More than 800 people work in this hotel with...
I’m pretty proud of this photo. Took it myself with my trusty Nikon D40. It was a challenge because I was shooting through a window and had to conquer the reflections issue. Not bad for a total amateur huh? But the real story is the amazing Destination. Some friends invited us to share their...
Recently I fell in love with a funny old town in the middle of the Hill Country of Texas. It’s where you might stay if you want to visit the wineries, the LBJ Ranch, shop, and enjoy bakeries, breweries and peaches. It was one of the first German settlements in the 1800s and is now […]
Staying at The Standard, New York City, a Hipster Hangout! When I read that the new Standard Hotel, latest in mini group of Andre Balazs hotels, had fabulous Hudson River views, I knew I had to stay there. I’m a sucker for water—lakes, oceans, rivers, ponds and fountains. Something about...
Here’s a little tip. If you stay at the Wit hotel in Chicago, you get a VIP card that gives you “jump to the front of the line” access at the Roof lounge. If you want to munch and mingle at the hottest new hangout in the Windy City, it is something to think […]
The chandeliers in the lobby of the uber trendy Wit hotel set the tone for this hip happening new hotel in Chicago. White feathery wings soar in the two-story glass walled lobby. They are a whimsical take on a traditional chandelier and the “whimsical” part is what The Wit is all...
If you love Victorian design you’ll be in heaven at the Strater Hotel in Durango, Colorado. I can’t stand the clutter and complexity of Victorian interiors, but thoroughly enjoyed my stay. I can appreciate design done well. And the Strater truly measures up. It is decorated the way...
The images still haunt me. The Caribbean blue walls and sheer white flowing drapes floating above the dark hardwood floor of my hotel room. The warm glow of candlelight at the many small cafes on the main street. Most of all, I’ll treasure the sight of the saffron robed monks snaking their...