Hotels

Photo by Jill WeinleinWhile staying at the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero and exploring San Francisco, I noticed colorful and whimsical artistic hearts displayed throughout the city. In December 1961, award-winning singer Tony Bennett first sang "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" at the Venetian Room in the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. Hearts have been associated with the city ever since the song's debut. Many of these creative hearts are located in popular tourist areas such as Union Square, Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, City Hall, AT&T Park and San Francisco General Hospital.   For over 20 years, these sculptures have become…

Courtesy of Chatham Bars InnWhen you think of Cape Cod, quintessential images of families frolicking in summertime bliss immediately come to mind. Admittedly, there is no better way to enjoy the much-anticipated sunny season than with a seaside stay, but it’s made even more memorable when you find an ultra-luxurious spot that offers you every excuse to linger a little longer.  Whether you prefer lounging on a private beach or simply relaxing in a sophisticated waterfront cottage, Chatham Bars Inn just might be the next best place to heaven on earth. Courtesy of Chatham Bars InnWhen you pull up to…

Photo by Florian WehdeMarseille doesn’t seduce in the way of Paris or Nice. You have to look past the clichés—gritty port city, rough-around-the-edges reputation—to discover its restless spirit. You land here expecting a bit of chaos, and you leave wondering why you didn’t visit sooner, or longer. France’s second-largest city has always marched to its own rhythm. Founded by Greek sailors more than 2,600 years ago, Marseille still feels like a city caught between cultures. Mediterranean sun meets North African spice. Provençal markets unfold beside old-school pâtisseries. In the Vieux-Port, fishing boats bob beside sleek catamarans, framed by 18th-century facades…

Anantara Palazzo NaiadiRising above Rome’s Piazza della Repubblica in curving, honey-colored stone, Anantara Palazzo Naiadi offers a living glimpse into the city's imperial past. The hotel occupies one of the capital’s most commanding addresses. From this palatial perch, guests overlook the Naiad Fountain and the stately arcades that once belonged to Diocletian’s Baths. Below the lobby, the ancient Roman ruins are embedded into the foundation, like memory carved in marble.  Location Though centrally located, the hotel feels slightly removed from the tourist fray—close enough to the city’s pulse, yet with space to breathe. It sits just a short stroll from Termini Station,…

Courtesy of Hotel Alpenrock Breckenridge/Robert BensonColorado’s majestic mountains beckon adventurers and relaxation-seekers alike, a haven where exhilarating outdoor pursuits meet fine dining, unique shopping, and scenery that steals your breath. Within this captivating landscape, you’ll find Breckenridge, a vibrant mountain community brimming with charm and opportunity. One moment you’re stepping out the door, the next you’re immersed in the charm of one of Colorado’s most inviting main streets, or perhaps carving fresh tracks through glistening snow just moments from the hotel. The Alpenrock Hotel Breckenridge offers not just a stay, but an idyllic immersion into this remarkable mountain town. Upon…

Dorothy Cascerceri SimoneWhen three longtime friends and I were brainstorming our next vacation without our children, we knew we wanted something easy that could offer a break from the heavy mental load so many mothers carry. With nine children ages 2 to 12 among the four of us, our minds and bodies were shot. We desperately needed a break from being around-the-clock drivers, chefs, tutors, housekeepers, and personal shoppers. For three nights, we needed someone to do all of that for us for a change, freeing us of thoughts of swim practice pickup and defrosting chicken for dinner. Excellence Punta…

Whitney SpielfogelBrussels is simply magical right now, with sunny skies, blooming gardens, and the city’s historic charm spilling into lively parks, restaurants, and flower-filled squares. With warm days, bustling markets, and open-air cafés in full swing, Brussels is alive with the energy of spring. Hotel Amigo, a Rocco Forte property in Brussels, Belgium, is a luxurious and elegant hotel situated in the heart of the city, making it an ideal base for exploring Brussels' rich history and vibrant culture. Located just steps away from the Grand Place, the city's central square (a personal family favorite especially for a post-dinner, sunset stroll), guests…

L'Ermitage Beverly HillsL’Ermitage Beverly Hills is opening the doors of its iconic rooftop to the public, unveiling a transformative new destination that seamlessly blends luxury, design, and culinary artistry. Beginning May 19, the newly reimagined rooftop will welcome guests to The Arhaus Terrace and Poza, an open-air lounge serving California-inspired cuisine and cocktails. Known for its residential-style elegance, L’Ermitage has been a hidden gem in the heart of Beverly Hills for decades. Now the hotel invites locals and visitors to experience its elevated new vision of rooftop hospitality featuring 360 degree panoramic views. L'Ermitage Beverly HillsA Sanctuary in the Sky: The…

Bryant Park. Photo via UnsplashIt is easy to miss New York City’s Park Terrace Hotel if you’re not looking for it: glass exterior, modest signage, and a somewhat businesslike look. Inside, the tone shifts to clean design andlight-filled spaces. There’s a quiet confidence here—modern, but not sterile; stylish, but not scene-y. Think Scandinavian minimalism meets Fifth Avenue polish. The hotel’s decisive selling point is that it’s located directly across from Bryant Park, one of New York City’s prime oases. To wake to this green expanse is pure Big Apple magic.You’ll want to grab your cup of Nespresso coffee (offered in-room)…

All Images Credit Another PlaceI have to admit that I was a bit afraid of jumping into a freezing cold lake, especially at night, all but paralyzed by the thought of what might be lurking beneath the surface.  My mind races, half-jokingly imagining the Loch Ness Monster’s distant cousin lurking somewhere in the depths. But still, off we go into the dark, frigid waters, the chill biting at our skin. Thankfully, our wetsuits serve as armor against the cold, a reassuring shield as we step deeper into the unknown. Colin, our guide and a seasoned open-water swimmer, reassures us calmly:…