NEW YORK CITY

WHERE TO STAY

source: oyster.com

For the past four years, I’ve called New York City my home. Luckily, I’ve had the time to explore the city and discover the under the radar places locals like to frequent. In New York City, there are hotels and Starbucks on every corner, which makes it very difficult to choose where to stay when visiting.

The Eventi Hotel is my number one choice because it gives the guest the luxuries they are looking for at an affordable price. Another reason why I love this hotel is for its location. As any New Yorker knows, location is key. Situated on 6^th avenue between 29^th and 30^th street, the Eventi is the perfect location to call home base because guest can easily travel all over the city. The hotel offers everything the super trendy and overpriced hotels like the Gansevoort offer, like a whiskey bar, high-end restaurant and terrace. This hotel is managed by the Kimpton Group, which is known for building hotels with all the amenities of the 5 star hotels at an affordable budget.

Eventi

851 Avenues of the Americas

(212) 564-4567

www.eventihotel.com

WHERE TO EAT

Keith McNally, the restaurateur genius, known as the “The Restaurateur Who Invented Downtown” opened Morandi in the West Village in 2003. Zagat’s review of Morandi, referred to the restaurant as “simultaneously homey and trendy” and always has “at least one movie star in attendance”. Everyone who works there has years of experience in the business and can help you choose the perfect meal and wine to accompany it. The menu changes seasonally, but the signature dishes always stay on the menu year round. I would suggest going a little early to dinner to have a drink at the bar. The cocktail list is simple, but delicious. I suggest ordering a dirty martini or balsamic martini both are mixed to perfection. For dinner, I would suggest ordering an order of stuffed olives and grilled artichokes for the table. They are perfect to share and allow everyone to have a taste. For dinner, I always order the same thing; lemon pasta drizzled with olive oil and topped with parmesan and the grilled branzino. Lastly, for dessert, order the ricotta fritters with a cappuccino. You wont be disappointed!

Morandi

211 Waverly Pl

(212) 627-7575

www.morandiny.com

WHERE TO DRINK

One of the best areas to go out in is the Meatpacking District. The Brass Monkey is located right in the middle of the Meatpacking District, but does not require their guests to dress like they are going clubbing like many bars in the area. This is the perfect spot to enjoy a beer with friends and listen to live music. During the summer, I would suggest going the Brass Monkey for happy hour because they open the roof deck. This bar is truly a place for anyone to visit and feel comfortable in because of it relaxing atmosphere.

Brass Monkey

55 Little West 12^th St

(212) 675-6686

 

BARCELONA

WHERE TO STAY

Barcelona is a very special city. The people of this city love a few things: art, food and family. I visited Barcelona with my sister when she was studying abroad. Her friends and I stayed at Hotel Arts Barcelona in a large suite with panoramic views of the city. This hotel is aimed toward a younger crowd which made our stay much more enjoyable. Located within walking distance to the city’s center filled with bars, restaurants and clubs, you cannot find a better hotel to fit all your needs for a trip to Barcelona.

Hotel Arts Barcelona

c/ de la Marina, 19

+34 932 211 000

www.hotelartsbarcelona.com

WHERE TO EAT

The best part about Barcelona is the amazing nightlife. This city is known for partying until the sun rises. Therefore, dinner in Barcelona is usually late and one of my favorite restaurants for late night food is Flash Flash. The kitchen doesn’t close until 1 am and is perfect for an enjoyable dinner before hitting all the bars. I would suggest ordering the tortillas varias con salsa or the platos de carne. It’s the perfect meal before a night of heavy drinking and dancing.

Flash Flash

c/ La Granada del Penedes, 25

+34 932 370 990

www.flashflashtortilleria.com

WHERE TO DRINK

Source: nytimes.com

This bar has been open since 1820 and has seen many famous people through its lifetime. Picasso, Gaudi, Hemingway and Dali all frequented Bar Marsella for its’ alternative atmosphere and cocktails. For an authentic experience at Bar Marsella, you should order absinthe and enjoy the “green fairy”.

Bar Marsella

c/ Sant Pau, 65

+34 934 427 2639

For a more low-key night out, minus the “green fairy”, go to Mamaine in the Born area, which is filled with bars. Locals argue that Mamaine has the best mojitos in all of Barcelona. If mojitos aren’t your poison, I would suggest ordering wine from their extensive wine list or a margarita.

Mamaine

c/ Rec 59

+34 934 427 2639

BERMUDA

WHERE TO STAY

 

Every year my mom’s side of the family rents a house in Bermuda for the summer. Some of my fondest memories are from times in playing in the pink sand beaches in Bermuda with my cousins. Over the years, I’ve gotten to know the island pretty well. Many travel agents and other travel blogs would tell travelers to stay in town or in some of the big name hotels. I however, completely disagree. When traveling to Bermuda, Tucker’s Town is the only area I would suggest staying in because it has the most exquisite beaches on the entire island. The main road in the town is nicknamed Billionaire’s row because moguls such as, Ross Perot, Michael Bloomberg and Silvio Berlusconi own many of the private homes. If you are able to afford it, I would suggest renting a home in Tucker’s Town, but if that isn’t in your budget I would stay at the Tuckers Point Hotel. The hotel is situated on the peninsula with a private beach and golf course. The views from Tuckers Point are breath taking and cannot be compared to any other hotel on the island.

Tuckers Point Hotel

St.George’s Bermuda

+1 441 298 6970

www.tuckerspoint.com

WHERE TO EAT

Since Bermuda is a very special place to my family, a few of my cousins decided to host their weddings in Bermuda at the Fourways Inn. Bermuda is very casual island and Fourways is one of the few fine dining restaurants on the island. I would recommend going to Fourways for an intimate dinner to celebrate a special occasion. The chef, Tommy Poh, won best chef in 2012 in Bermuda for his Maine lobster salad and veal tenderloin.

Fourways Inn

1 Middle Road

+1 441 236 6571

www.fourwaysinn.com

WHERE TO DRINK

Besides the beautiful pink beaches, I love to travel to Bermuda every year for a cocktail called the “Swizzle” and a musician named Ray. Ray is a fifty something old musician who performs nightly a small hole in the wall bar called the Swizzle Inn. This bar is famous for two things, 1. A Swizzle, a cocktail combined of Goslings dark rum and peach juice and 2. Ray, the local talent who can perform any song just as well or sometimes even better than the artist who made that song famous. Every night, Ray sings and plays piano from about ten o’clock to close. I would suggest going on a Wednesday or Thursday night when the bar is filled with locals from Tuckers Town and Blue Hill. Ray loves to play by request so don’t be shy and ask him to sing your favorite song by Billy Joel or the Eagles.

Swizzle Inn

3 Blue Hotel Hill

Baileys Bay CR 04

+1 441 293 4422

www.swizzleinn.com

MONACO

WHERE TO STAY

I fell in love with Monaco the moment I stepped off the plane. I’ve been lucky enough to travel back there many times and have stayed in many different hotels. The Fairmont is by far my favorite because of its location in the heart of the city. The hotel is located next to the famous Monte Carlo Casino and hangs off a cliff that over looks the Mediterranean Sea. The rooftop sundeck and restaurant sets this hotel apart from the many other hotels in the area.  Many hotels in this area do not have pools with ocean views or restaurants located right on the water. This hotel is often underrated compared to the Hotel de Paris and the Metropol that are often referred to as the “best” hotels in Monaco. Instead, I find those hotels to be stuffy and overpriced. For my graduation present, I am traveling back to Monaco this August and I am looking forward to staying at the Fairmont.

Fairmont Monte Carlo

12 Avenue des Spelugues

+377 93 50 65 00

www.fairmont.com/monte-carlo/

WHERE TO EAT

Dining at Le Café de Paris, located in the Hotel de Paris, is an experience you will remember forever. This fine dining restaurant is for celebrating a birthday, anniversary or big accomplishment because it is pricey. For girls, this is an opportunity to wear your cocktail dress that sits in the back of your closet and men are required to wear jackets and ties. Le Café de Paris has panoramic views and retractable roof so guests can dine under the stars. Every time I travel back to Monaco, I cannot leave without having their chocolate soufflé.

Le Café de Paris

Place du Casino

+377 98 06 30 00

www.hoteldeparismontecarlo.com/-Monaco

WHERE TO DRINK

Whether you enjoy to gamble or not, everyone should gamble once in the Casino de Monte-Carlo. This Casino is often shown in movies and is always swarming with celebrities and royalty. So enjoy yourself, order a glass of champagne and pick your game of choice. I guarantee it will be one of your favorite memories from your trip.    

The Casino de Monte-Carlo

Place du Casino

www.casinomontecarlo.com/

MILAN

WHERE TO STAY

Milan is a city most known for its incredible fashion. The Bulgari family, most known for their exquisite jewelry, opened this boutique hotel in private residence area only blocks away from the busy city. This hotel is one of my favorite hotels in the world due to its lush gardens.  In these gardens, guest are allowed to enjoy their morning coffee with a novel or they can enjoy a bellini, a classic Italian cocktail, before dinner. Besides the gardens, I love to use the spa to relax and unwind from such a long flight. The spa is built to resemble the ancient aqueducts, making it the perfect facility to mediate and relax.

Bulgari Hotel Milan

Via Privata F.lil Gabba, 7b

+39 02 805 8051

www.bulgarihotels.com/en-us/milan/

WHERE TO EAT

One of the best meals of my life was at a hole in the wall restaurant in Milan named Nabucco. Nabucco’s chef is known for making classic Italian dishes with a twist. In my opinion, Nabucco’s osso buco with saffron risotto is the best in the world.  And not to forget, Nabucco makes the best homemade pasta; my personal favorite is their gambelli with pesto sauce. When I travel to Milan, I always make Nabucco my first stop.

Nabucco Ristorante

Via Fiori Chiari, 10

+39 02 860663

www.nabucco.it/

WHERE TO DRINK

For drinks and dancing, Just Cavalli is the hottest spot in Milan. To avoid paying pricy cover fees, I suggest going there for a late dinner or drink before the real crowd comes in to dance. Once inside, take advantage of the knowledgeable bartenders and mixologist. I would suggest telling them what you like and they can craft you a drink based of your favorite type of liquor.

Just Cavalli Hollywood Club

Via Luigi Camoens

+39 02 311817

www.justcavallihollywood.it/

WHAT TO SEE

La Scala is one of Milan’s biggest attractions. Being able to attend an opera at La Scala is magical and has been occupied by many of the greatest artists in the world, generation after generation. I was lucky enough to see the ballet, Swan Lake and the opera, Lohengrin on my latest visit. Both of these performances blew me away. The Milanese make sure everyone can attend performance at La Scala. Students and teachers receive special discounts if they show proper identification.

Teatro alla Scala

Via Filodrammatici, 2

+39 02 7200 3744

www.teatroallascala.org/en/

PALM BEACH

WHERE TO STAY

Tucked away behind tall walls of ivy, The Colony Hotel is a one of the best-kept secrets for the perfect beach getaway. Once inside the compound, guest can choose from a variation of room sizes, most of which have an ocean view. The most popular room during the winter months are the two bedroom villas located either with direct pool access or beach access.  The villas are ideal for a family or a group of couples or friends. The location of this hotel is what keeps the guest coming back. Guest can walk out the back gate of the hotel and walk across the street direct to the beach, where a cabana boy with set you up with a chair and umbrella.

The Colony Hotel

155 Hammon Ave

(561) 655-5430

www.thecolonypalmbeach.com

WHERE TO EAT

For 30 years, this upscale restaurant has served everyone from socialites like the Hilton sisters to royalty like Prince William.  The food here is absolutely exquisite and the wine list is what sets this restaurant apart from the many other restaurants in Palm Beach. Café L’Europe is fairly pricey, but what many don’t know is that they have a prefix lunch menu for $25 and a bring your own wine Wednesdays!

Café L’Europe

331 S County Rd

(561) 655-4020

www.cafeleurope.com

WHERE TO DRINK

Nick & Johnnie’s is a great patio lounge that often has live music on the weekends and drink specials during the week. I would suggest going to Nick & Johnnie’s for happy hour or an after dinner drink. The bartenders make great sangria and cosmopolitans.

Nick & Johnnie’s

207 Royal Poinciana Way

(561) 655-3319

nickandjohnniespb.com/

WHERE TO SHOP

Calypso, originally from St. Barth, sells eclectic women’s clothing that is ideal for a tropical beach location, like Palm Beach. My favorite pieces from Calypso are their linen beach tunics that come in every color imaginable. I also adore their soft cotton scarves and t-shirts. After every season, the store has a huge sale, usually up to 70% off, making it the perfect time to stock up on these items.

Calypso

247 Worth Ave

(561) 832-5006

www.calypsostbarth.com/boutiques/florida/palm-beach

PARIS

WHERE TO STAY

Hotel Particulier Montmartre is a very rare property in Paris. In 2007, the old historic mansion on this property was turned into a five-bedroom luxury boutique hotel. The property is landscaped with six exquisite gardens, perfect for afternoon cup of tea or stargazing at night. My favorite part of the hotel is the library, which is filled with antique novels and games, such as, backgammon and chess. I would highly suggest staying at this property for an experience that a guest cannot feel at any of the other fancy hotels.

Hotel Particulier Montmartre

23, Avenue Junot

Pavillon D

8e

+33 1 53 41 81 40

http://hotel-particulier-montmartre.com/fr

WHERE TO EAT

Jean-George is one of my favorite chefs in the world. Every meal at one of Jean-George’s restaurant is special and Market, his restaurant in Paris, is one of his masterpieces. Market serves traditional French cuisine with an Asian flare of spices and seasonings. The almond-caramelized duck breast with amaretto jus, a French classic, is by far the best duck I’ve ever had in my life. I would also suggest ordering the creamy onion tart for anyone who loves onion rings.

Market

15, Avenue Matignon 8e

+33 1 56 43 40 90

www.jean-georges.com

WHERE TO DRINK

Located inside the Pershing Hall Hotel, the patio garden designed by Partick Blanc, is one of the best spots in Paris to enjoy a cocktail and music. The ambiance of the patio is perfect for a drink any night of the week and turns into a club around 11. Pershing Hall is known to fly in famous deejays from around the world to perform on Friday and Saturday nights.

Pershing Hall

49 Rue Pierre Charron

75008

+33 1 58 36 58 00

http://www.pershinghall.com/pages/restaurant.html

WHERE TO SHOP

Over the past year, Maje, the brand, was introduced to retail stores in the United States like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales. This Parisian based brand is one of my favorites because it is reasonably priced and has a style unlike any American clothing company. In Paris, I like to visit their boutique on Rue Montmarte. This store is perfecting for picking up a statement piece to add to your wardrobe or a small accessory to spice up an old outfit.  

Maje Boutique

16 Rue Montmarte

+33 1 42 36 36 75

www.maje-paris.fr

LONDON

WHERE TO STAY

New to London, this hotel is located in the trendy Shoreditch neighborhood and owned by the famous English designer and restaurateur , Terrence Conran. The design of this hotel is very unique because each room is designed after a legendary designer. The list of designers includes Josef Hoffman, Mies Van der Rohe, Eileen Gray and The Eames’.  Besides the distinctive rooms, Boundary is known for their terrace open all year and two restaurants, the Albion café and the Boundary restaurant for fine dining.

Boundary

2-4 Redchurch St, Boundary St

London E2 7DD

+44 (0) 20 7729 1051

www.theboundary.co.uk/

WHERE TO EAT

Recently rated one of the top restaurants, Tapas Brindisa is known for having some of the most authentic Spanish dishes in London.  This spot is great for lunch with a friend. During noon and 4 pm, they offer a prefixed lunch for £20 for 2 people with a choice of six tapas. The grilled smoked chorizo on toast and seared scallops are two of my favorites.

Tapas Brindisa

18-20 Southwark St

London SE1 1TJ

+44 (0) 20 7357 8880

www.brindisa.com/restaurants/tapas-brindisa/

WHERE TO DRINK

For a night of drinking and dancing, visit Nightjar, an underground jazz bar. Nightjar is often frequented by locals, and often celebrities who are trying to get away from the standard London clubs. The cocktail list is broken down in four categories: pre-prohibition (1600-1918), prohibition (1918-1932), post-war (1940-200) and nightjar signatures. The bloody mary/red snapper from the prohibition era and the hobson kiss from the pre-prohibition era are two of the most popular drinks.

Nightjar

129 City Road

London EC1V 1JB

www.barnightjar.com/

WHERE TO SHOP

Located in Covent Garden, this vintage shop is owned by Lily and Sarah Allen, two sisters known for setting trends in the London fashion scene. Lucy in Disguise is a one-stop shop for all your beauty needs in London. I highly suggest browsing their vintage collection since many pieces come from locations all over the world. Also, in the far back of the store, there is a beauty bar where you can find the perfect makeup to complete any look.

Lucy in Disguise

10-13 King Street

London WC2E 8HN

+44 (0) 20 7240 6590

lucyindisguiselondon.com/

LOS ANGELES

WHERE TO STAY

Thompson Beverly Hills

Thompson Beverly Hills is the best hotel to call home base for any trip to Los Angeles. Not only is it in walking distance from Rodeo Drive, the hotel is a short distance from countless restaurants and bars. The hotel’s amenities include spacious rooms with SFERRA linens and marble bathrooms, a rooftop pool perfect for lounging in the sun and a trendy rooftop bar for nightcaps.  

Thompson Beverly Hills

9360 Wilshire Blvd

Beverly Hills

310-273-1400

www.thompsonhotels.com/hotels/la/thompson-beverly-hills

WHERE TO EAT

Katsuya 

Best sushi in all of Los Angeles. I highly suggest ordering the backed crab hand roll, spicy tuna on crispy rice and if you’re in the mood for a cocktail, a watermelon cucumber mojito is a must have.

Katsuya

11777 San Vicente Blvd

Brentwood

310-207-8744

www.sbe.com/katsuya

Giorgio Baldi

Giorgio’s is a classic family owned Northern Italian eatery. The GB family is dedicated to creating an authentic Italian experience at every meal with a knowledgeable wait staff and a low-key atmosphere that is not overshadowed by the décor. Every fall, loyal customers flock to Giorgios for white truffles, which they import from Piedmont, CA. Other great dishes include handmade raviolis and the Dover Sole.

Giorgio Baldi

114 West Channel Rd

Santa Monica

310-573-1660

www.giorgiobaldi.us/

WHERE TO SHOP

14 Karats

14 Karats is a wholesale jewelry store with pieces ranging from $50 to thousands. It’s the perfect place to pick up something special to remember your trip by or to purchase a gift for a friend or family member.

14 Karats

314 South Beverly Dr

Beverly Hills

310-551-1212

www.xivkarats.com/

THE HAMPTONS

WHERE TO STAY

The Surf Lodge in Montauk is great hotel for anyone in their twenties who enjoys concerts, bonfires and surfing. This hotel is famous for their summer concert series and surf school. The Surf Lodge also offers an organic juice bar, daily exercise classes and fully equipped rooms for any party size. This summer the concert series includes Nancy Atlas, Karina Zeviani and G. Love.

The Surf Lodge

183 Edgemere St

Montauk

631-668-1562

WHERE TO EAT

The Clam Bar in Amagansett is a great lunch spot for anyone at the beach or just driving by. The Clam Bar has a low-key atmosphere and a menu filled with classics such as fried clams, lobster rolls and chowder.

Clam Bar

2025 Montauk Highway

Amagansett

631-267-6348

For dinner, Dave’s Grill is one of the best seafood spots in Montauk, known for their lobster tails and decadent desert menu. Recently, the restaurant decided to change their reservation policy to only accepting same day reservations.

Dave’s Grill

468 West Lake Drive

Montauk

631-668-9190

WHERE TO SHOP

Located in the heart of the town, it’s the perfect spot to bop into after a cup of coffee or lunch with the girls. Blue & Cream is great shop to find the items you may have forgotten to pack by designers such as Philip Lim, Elizabeth & James, Jbrand and Vince.

Blue & Cream

60 The Circle

East Hampton

631-329-1320

MIAMI

 During the winter months, Miami is one of the most popular travel destinations for many in the Northeast. Below are a few of my favorite spots.

WHERE TO STAY

Hotel Victor is a recently renovated boutique hotel located directly across from the beach and in walking distance from some of the best restaurants and bars. This hotel is known for being an affordable luxury with seventy-five years of attentive service. Each room is equipped with Frette linens, an oversized marble soaking tub and walk in rain shower. Hotel Victor offers many different variations of suites and bungalows overlooking the beach and pool.

Hotel Victor

1144 Ocean Dr

Miami Beach, Fl

305-779-8700

WHERE TO EAT

Celebrating their 100th anniversary this spring, Joe’s Stone Crab is known for the best soups, stone crabs and lobsters in Miami and is often visited by famous actors and athletes.

Joe’s Stone Crab

11 Washington Ave

305-673-0365

WHERE TO DRINK

Shore Club’s SKYBAR is the hottest lounge in South Beach. Comprised of four different bars each specializing in different liquors. The Redroom Garden is the most popular with 75 different rums.

Shore Club SKYBAR

1901 Collins Ave

305-695-3100

About

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This blog will document my personal travel experiences over the years, city by city. I will include hotels, restaurants, bars, must-see sights and other recommendations travel sites fail to mention.