All posts filed under: boutique hotels

most memorable photographs of san gimignano, italy

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There are some places in Italy I have wanted to see for a long time but didn’t dare to rent a car, so this trip I decided to take a day tour just to get a glimpse of the small villages throughout Tuscany. After Siena, we headed out to San Gimignano, which is situated on a hilltop somewhere in Tuscany, click here if you want all the statistics and other vital information.  After given a brief explanation of what to look for, we were let loose to wander about the village. Which is exactly as it should be during a bus tour. Brief explanation and alot of time to be on our own. From San Gimignano, I took away the following: {photos are the property of http://www.rawsilkandsaffron.wordpress.com}  

rooftop wonder from hotel raphael in roma, italy

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The best thing about walking everywhere, while on vacation, is accidentally stumbling upon a gem of a place that you just know you must discover. That’s what happened to me with Day 4 in Rome. I happen to be walking about Piazza Navona, when I noticed an insignificant  small street and decided to take it because I wanted to see what was past the main plaza. About 50 meters in, I came across what was labelled as  Hotel Raphael, a five-star luxury property, hidden behind a wall of leaves. I walked towards the main entrance and was immediately greeted by a bellman, who so kindly waved me inside, even though I am sure he knew I didn’t belong there. He escorted me to a small elevator leading to their roof garden and suggested I have  a drink while I rest my weary feet from all the walking.  Of course I wasn’t going to argue, I simply followed his instructions and rode the elevator to the fifth floor and exited towards a small set of steps …

french pick me up in san francisco

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First rain of the season and I must say, it didn’t bother me a bit. It was almost sereal, because although the sun made an appearance through the clouds, it rained almost continuously throughout most of the day. I decided with the rain, I needed to sit in one of my favorite French Cafes for lunch and daydream the hour away.  As soon as I entered the cafe, I was seated at a round marble table near the window and offered a bottle of water and the best French bread and sweet butter on this side of the Atlantic.  While I looked over the menu to figure out what I wanted to order, I began to hear French conversation all around me, from locals and tourists alike. While I sat there smiling, the waiter asked what I was so happy about and all I could do is shake my head as if there was nothing to smile about. However, I couldn’t have asked for a better pick me up on a rainy Monday then to …

boutique hotel pick – hotel martinez – cannes, france

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Right about now I begin to crave a trip to the French Riviera and a fantasy stay at the Hotel Martinez. I mean seriously, I don’t think I need to sell anyone on the idea of experiencing pure luxury and elegance, while getting the most golden tan possible and dining at some of the finest restaurants along the French Riviera. However,  I do want to point out one of my favorite 5-star properties in Cannes, Hotel Martinez as the choice hotel for romance and special occasion celebration or simply a place for rest and relaxation.  Of course the modern classic room decor doesn’t hurt either. Anyway, enjoy the photos and have a wonderful weekend.

boutique hotel pick – royal hotel – san remo, italy

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As I organize my impending trip to Italy hopefully very soon, I can’t help but reminisce about some of the places I have visited and the boutique hotels I have stayed in. One particular hotel which comes to mind is the Royal Hotel in San Remo, Italy – just so you understand where it is, San Remo is about 64 kilometers from Nice, France. It’s a well know resort town located along the Italian Riviera between Genoa and the French border.  San Remo is also known for its casinos and the beautiful harbor lined with cafes and shops. Considering I haven’t seen much sun this summer, I am longing to spend a week in San Remo and staying at the Royal Hotel for a much needed rest and relaxation.

boutique hotel pick – grand hotel de bordeaux – france

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I suppose being busy is a good thing in one’s life, but not having the time to do the things you love is not so good. I have been experiencing this lately with too much to do and not enough time to do my writings and blog. So, you ask what does that have to do with today’s entry. It doesn’t, I just wanted to throw it out there for those who have asked  why I haven’t posted on a daily basis. Anyway, the beauty of researching online for a hotel is the fact, the ultimate choice is in your hands. I say this because, in the past I have had a terrible time working with those in the travel industry, who have blindly reserved what they believed was the best hotel for me to stay, during my travels. I think one of those unmemorable hotel stays was in Bordeaux, France. During that experience, I realized how important a descent hotel was to making the trip worth while, because since our hotel was, not only …

boutique hotel pick – four seasons – florence, italy

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One city I plan to include in my fall trip to Italy this year, is of course Florence. Although I have been there many times, it seems I can never get enough of this fascinating destination. Outside of the fact the city’s architectural and artistic makeup, it is to me one of the most romantic places to consider spending with a loved one. Now, although there are many hotel options to choose from while vacationing in Florence, my favorite recommend is the Palazzo della Gherardesca. Currently known as The Four Seasons Hotel here. Apparently the hotel is the first of it’s kind for Florence. It is a resort with a pool, a spa and various other amenities too many to list here. However, please click here to read about how the hotel came to be. Enjoy the photos and have a great weekend.

embracing all things inspirational

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Once in a while I have trouble, like everyone else, in getting going for a work week. I pout the entire weekend and by Sunday night, I am hyperventilating because I am once again obliged to carry out a regimented lifestyle for five days out of yet another week. This is not to say I hate my job or anything, it’s just that I appreciate my freedom a great deal and wish I had the luxury to escape the norm more often than I can. Anyway, knowing the much-needed break is nowhere in sight, I turn to some random photos of beautiful things for inspiration,  just to get me by for the week.  Hope you enjoy the slideshow and here’s  hoping for a smooth week.