Category Archives: swanky luxe stays

One Day Stay: Prague, Czech Republic

PRG

Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic and the historical capital of Bohemia. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Prague three times. Once in the winter, once in the fall and my latest visit was in the summer. It is truly gorgeous in all seasons but I think summertime is my favorite even if it was my shortest visit. There is a reason it’s known as ‘The Golden City’ with its gilded roofs and spires but I have never it seen it glisten & shine like it did this summer. It was like the whole city had a golden glow.

photo 1

Prague was founded in the Romanesque period and blossomed in the Gothic & Renaissance eras, playing as the seat to two Holy Roman Emperors. Although this incredible city has a vibrant history it also has a dark side tied to wars and Communism. Since the fall of the Iron Curtain, Prague has become the 6th most visited European city. I can see why! It is truly stunning and there is no limit to what you can find to do. If culture is your thing, this city hosts museums and musical events galore. If food is your thing, you can find traditional Czech to the latest trends in every other cuisine. Then there’s shopping, nightlife and the great outdoors. Although there is so much of Prague to explore, it’s a great ‘One Day Stay’ destination if you are pairing it with a taste of Europe’s other great Hapsburg capitals – Vienna and Budapest.

DROP YOUR BAG

photo 5-1

I’ve written about the unique and gorgeous Four Season Prague before but I haven’t actually stayed as a lucky guest. So, you can imagine how happy I was to actually rest my head here and in my favorite style room in the Renaissance House! With just over 160 rooms held within 3 different historical structures, Four Seasons Prague kind of felt like returning home. You see, the staff were so gracious during my fall visit that we were all happy to be reunited once again this summer. Of course the hotel was everything I could imagine and more. Sleeping like a princess underneath a crystal chandelier and a soaking tub with jetlag salts waiting for me in the bathroom. Who wouldn’t be happy? Totally LOLA APPROVED! Only steps away from the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and with views of the Prague Castle across the Vltava River, Four Seasons Prague was perfectly situated for me to get a quick dose of the best Prague has to offer.

DO

photo 2-3

This visit to Prague I took a walking tour to the Hradcany district across the river from Old Town where you can find Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. I wandered up to the city wall and through the less well-known area called the “new world” where many writers and artists have lived over the years. As you move toward the river you will find the neighborhood Mala Strana whose cobblestone streets are so charming. This quiet neighborhood is home to many embassies and is said to be the most exclusive area of Prague. Even just crossing the Charles Bridge was magical in the summertime.

DRINK

photo 3-3

Post walking tour it was time to taste what Prague is so well-known for – BEER! Friends who live there suggested meeting in Letna Park – the biggest park in the center of Prague. You will also find great beer gardens there and a spectacular view of Prague. I loved watching the setting sun over the golden rooftops and people enjoying the summer evening.

DINE

photo 4-1

Back over in Mala Strana or Lesser Town, is where you will find the street named Maltezske namesti and definitely where you should head to dine. Filled with cute cafes and some of Prague’s best restaurants, here you’ll find a variety of places to eat. A few recommended spots are the French brasserie Cafe de Paris, Vino Deja Vu for a glass of local or international wine, and Cafe Lounge for a great cup of coffee.

A big THANK YOU to Four Seasons Prague for hosting my stay and treating me like a longtime friend. I’ve highly recommended Four Seasons Prague repeatedly and so you know I ‘Lola Approve’ it. The views here are mine!

7 Comments

Filed under czech republic, one day stay, prague, swanky luxe stays, travel

Four Seasons Toronto – The Brand’s Fabulous Flagship Hotel

Did you know that the FANTABULOUS hotel brand Four Season Hotels and Resorts is headquartered in Toronto, Canada? Yes, this über guest-focused luxury travel brand was born over 50 years ago in Canada! Four Seasons says it’s “redefined luxury for the modern traveler”. I couldn’t agree more. More like spoiled us that we now have similar expectations for other luxury brands. Four Seasons, you raised the bar high and I like it.

It’s true, I’m a BIG fan of the brand and have been so fortunate to travel over the last few years and get to experience many of the Four Seasons properties. I’m frankly in love. It is so amazing, the dedication the staff has to Four Seasons and, more importantly, to you as their guest. So, you can imagine how excited I was to go to Toronto and stay at the flagship property that just opened almost a year ago! The expectations were high and BOY were they met.

FPO_TFY_130

Please allow me to take you on a guided tour of this fantastic property. Starting when you pull up and the sharply dressed Four Seasons Toronto doormen collect you, your belongings, and then open the hotel door, you know you are stepping into something special. 55 floors and 259 rooms of sleek sexiness! Modern design and clean lines make it feel very zen. The professional front desk and friendly concierge that have been expecting you make you feel right at home. Personally, I loved the geometric repetition of the linking squares. Like we are all connected.

FPO_TFY_025

Check out the absolutely lovely bedrooms with city views of the posh Yorkville neighborhood. It’s Four Seasons so you know it has all of the best amenities, like 24 hour service, a spa & salon, an indoor pool – which makes it enjoyable in any season, even a yoga studio! Four Seasons Toronto is located in the heart of Yorkville which means there are swanky shops, chic restaurants & bars and art galleries all around.

FPO_TFY_137

But you needn’t even leave the property to find chic, edgy, cool spots to drink and dine. Here, at Four Seasons Toronto is the fresh, funky and French Cafe Boulud which offers a contemporary twist on French fare. Under the guidance of Michelin-starred great, Daniel Boulud, you can expect it to be nothing short of MAGNIFIQUE!!

dbar

AND, a place where I logged some chill time, dbar! I loved their Neo-Negroni cocktail, because, as you know, I’m a Negroni aficionado. They describe this cocktail as confident, bold, brave & daring. Hmmm…sounds like something else I know. 😉 I was also introduced the Four Seasons super cool cocktail concept the #100MileCocktail while visiting Four Seasons Toronto. This is a locally sourced drink having all ingredients found within 100 miles or less of each Four Seasons property. Toronto’s #100MileCocktail is The Annex and it’s their playful twist on the Negroni. OK, I confess…I liked it too!

the annex

Great design, delicious food and tasty cocktails aside, my favorite thing about Four Seasons Toronto was the warm welcome given by the staff – smiles, notes, personalized amenities and the very important boa-fetching errand. Can you believe they actually went out and secured me feather boas?! Who couldn’t love a property that is THAT interested in making you happy. I also, as always, LOVED the gorgeous floral arrangements all around Four Season Toronto. I have a true appreciation for flowers and especially when they are #lolapink like the ones seen below. STUNNING!

photo 1-6

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts must have immense pride in its flagship hotel. With more than 90 properties around the globe, Four Seasons Toronto has big shoes to fill but I think it wears those shoes like a super model in a pair of luxury designer heels!  The property echos the brand’s “promise of a quality of life”. BRAVO!!

PS – Four Seasons Toronto was awarded the prestigious Five AAA Diamond award. Only .3 percent of the 59,000 AAA approved hotels and restaurants receive this travel authority’s highest rating.

Four Seasons Toronto graciously gave me a media rate during my stay. I was also treated to an unbelievable brunch at Cafe Boulud and this is something NOT TO BE MISSED! It’s true, as admitted above, I love the Four Seasons brand but if I didn’t ‘Lola Approve’ it, I would say otherwise.

31 Comments

Filed under swanky luxe stays, toronto, travel

One Day Stay: Boston, Massachusetts

BOS

Boston is one of the oldest and, in my opinion, most charming cities in the United States and I’m proud to call it HOME. A perfect ‘One Day Stay’ for many East Coasters, Boston is a short drive or train ride and well worth the trip. Pretty in all seasons, Summer and Fall are my personal favorites. Who wouldn’t love watching all the boats on the Charles River or out in the harbor? OR how about viewing the colorful Fall foliage? It is always fun to spend a night in town discovering new hot spots and reminiscing old haunts. I’d say, make Boston your stopover even if you are coming from elsewhere to tour some of The States. It is a great bouncing off point – no wonder it’s nicknamed ‘The Hub of the Universe’!

DROP YOUR BAG

Four Seasons Boston

Opened in 1985 in the heart of Back Bay, Four Seasons Boston is an institution of luxury in Beantown. Being a local to Boston, Four Seasons Boston is THE PLACE you think of for a cozy, after dinner drink or Sunday brunch at their Bristol Lounge. Staying as a guest is just a major added bonus! Four Seasons Boston has 196 rooms and 77 suites – all decorated in a contemporary style with touches of New England details. Perfect for the business or leisure traveler alike, recent updates include guest bathrooms as well as the ballroom & meeting spaces. Of course, it wouldn’t be Four Seasons without a FAB spa and fully equipped fitness facility. Completely LOLA APPROVED! I especially enjoyed the welcoming staff. Ron may be the very best doorman I’ve ever encountered.

DO

boston public garden

Stroll through the Boston Public Garden and take in what has gone virtually unchanged since the Garden’s inception.  Said to be the “oldest” botanical garden in United States, the Boston Public Garden is one of my all time favorite places, in ANY season, to take a deep breath and enjoy the beautiful nature all around. You will find there the pretty Lagoon, old school foot-peddled Swan Boats, gorgeous fauna and more. Children of all ages love the duckling statues of Make Way for Ducklings fame.

DRINK

Legal Harborside

Enjoy a drink along the waterfront. After all, Boston is the capital of the “Bay State”. There are many places to go and have a seaside cocktail but to me the best places are in the recently developed Seaport area. Specifically, Legal Seafood Harborside Roof Deck. Holy WOW! This isn’t how I kicked off my evening. No, I stopped by on a sunny Saturday afternoon and, OH BOY, was this place jumping. I cannot even imagine what the scene must be like after dark. With a scaled-down food menu but a generous drink menu, one could be there for hours sampling the variety of specialty cocktails Legal Seafood offers. Lola tried the Raspberry Fix and it was delish on a warm summer day!

DINE

bistro du midi

Eat at Bistro du Midi, named the ‘Best French restaurant in Boston’ by the Boston Globe and it is easy to see why. The dashing staff and talented Chef gave a warm welcome plus a little amuse-bouche. I followed up that tasty treat with a marinated beet salad sprinkled with Vermont goat cheese and then had the pasta with duck & port bolognese paired with apples and French feta for my main course. Even though French inspired seafood is somewhat Bistro du Midi’s specialty, I can attest that my meal was DIVINE. At dessert time little cookies were gifted. My favorite part of the meal, however, may have been the wine! Unique to Bistro du Midi is serving Mas de Daumas Gassac Rouge 2011 from a gigantic bottle.  I confess, it kinda won me over instantly.

PS – Another one of my favorite ‘DO‘ activities in Boston is walking the Freedom Trail. It would be criminal not to suggest the 2.5-mile red-brick trail that’s easily navigable and takes you past 16 nationally significant historic sites. Just follow the red-painted line from the Visitor Information Center in the Boston Common to see sights such as important cemeteries, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere’s house, the Old North Church and the Old South Meeting Hall, where patriots planned the Boston Tea Party. Markers along the trail tell the story of the American Revolution and our nation’s early years. OH and by the way, the Freedom Trail is FREE!

A big THANK YOU to Four Seasons Boston for hosting my stay. As a local, I’m also a regular visitor to Four Seasons Boston and so I totally ‘Lola Approve’ it. The views here are mine!

15 Comments

Filed under boston, massachusetts, one day stay, swanky luxe stays, travel

Staying Nautically Chic at South Sands Hotel – Salcombe, UK

Welcome to the charming seaside town of Salcombe!

salcombe

It’s said that Salcombe may be one of the prettiest harbor towns in the world. That’s may be a tall order but it really is quite possible. Being a girl from New England, driving through this part of England was like a small taste of home. With towns like Falmouth, Plymouth and Truro, it feels a bit like heading to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. As you drive through Devon to get to its most southerly tip – Salcombe, you’ll pass fields of green, pastures of cows & old stone churches. Finally, you will find hills that literally tumble down to the sea.

shopping in salcombe

Salcombe is a destination known for its seaside sports like sailing, fishing and diving. With their own Regatta spanning two weeks, it’s easy to see why! BUT there’s plenty to do for the landlubbers too. The quaint village is filled with cafes, pubs, local shops and high-end boutiques. Home to storefronts that are ‘typically English’ like Cath Kidston, the original Jack Wills and The Salcombe Trading Company, Salcombe has the perfect blend of UK & coastal style. Since my personal home decor style is also seaside inspired, I always like to shop in destinations such as Salcombe.

South Sands

Speaking of ‘coastal style’, never were there two better words to describe South Sands Hotel, just minutes from Salcombe’s town center by car. South Sands, a luxury boutique hotel with only 22 rooms and 5 beach suites, is understated beach chic. Perched on a horseshoe bay, South Sands Hotel draws its decor inspiration from Salcombe’s maritime history and its own seaside backdrop.  You will find simple touches of beach and sailing life in the driftwood & beach stones scattered throughout as well as the recycled sailcloth furnishings and port-hole features in the bathrooms. Carrying this subtle theme all the way through, South Sands Hotel’s room levels are named after classic yachts. SO FUN! Beach suites can accommodate up to six guests (perfect for friends or family travel) and have fully-equiped kitchens, large dining & living spaces and, best of all, balconies or private terraces. One of my favorite features of South Sands Hotel, is its proud sense of place by supporting local craftsmen and artists to add to the decor of this fantastic property. You will see, for example, local photography by Explosures Salcombe and seascapes by Gallery 5.

fish dinner

Another example of utilizing local resources can be found at Beachside Restaurant, South Sands Hotel’s waterfront restaurant. Beachside sources much of its seafood from Salcombe Crab Traders and, nearby town, Brixham. All of the meat products come from within a 10 mile radius as well. Of course, seasonal, local produce & products is quite the trend these days but what counts is what you do with it. Beachside has already earned a reputation of being one of the best restaurants in the country! I can attest that my meal at Beachside Restaurant was one of my most favorites of late. I enjoyed delicious seaside fare that was presented in an effortless way. It pairs well with the rest of South Sands in being wonderfully understated chic.

Important things to note:

  • Rooms at South Sands Hotel start at £150 and breakfast is included.
  • Activities available are things like sailing, surfing, stand up paddle board and kayaking as well as horse riding, golf, in-room massages and more.
  • The nearest train station is Totnes – 40 minutes away by car and 3 hours journey from London’s Paddington Station.
  • While the Summer season is high season, Spring & Autumn are also popular. Spring brings a wide display of wildflowers and bird watching while Autumn welcomes a different array of vibrant colors, cider and a more peaceful harbor. The holiday season in Salcombe is also quite festive.
  • While the shopping is good in Salcombe, you should prepare to pack what you’d like to wear. It was unseasonably warm when I visited and the shops were all having their sales. You might find a deal but there will be little in the way of beachwear. Another alternative is to stop along the way at a nearby Debenhams, many are along the route to Salcombe.

lola_blackpink

A big THANK YOU to South Sands Hotel for hosting my stay. I loved it so much that I would definitely choose to stay there again and possibly NEVER leave! As you must know, if I didn’t love it, I wouldn’t ‘Lola Approve’ it. The views here are mine!

34 Comments

Filed under salcombe, swanky luxe stays, travel, united kingdom

The Great Escape – Montreal, Canada Edition

thegreatescape

Welcome to Montreal in Quebec, Canada – the “City of Saints”

Montreal is a city of contradictions, really, if you ask me AND it’s precisely why I really really like it. You know because it keeps you on your toes!! Known as the “City of Saints” because of its once close ties to the Catholic Church, Montreal went through a “Quiet Revolution” in the 1960’s that brought about secularism and liberalism. Montreal loosened its ties to religion and “The City of a Hundred Steeples” slowly saw many church doors close and religious service attendance go from 90% to as low as 10%. This is just one example of how this city is proud of its past but changed its course in history.

montreal

Filled with European charm and blend of North American energy, Montreal easily is one of Lola’s faves! Named a UNESCO City of Design, Montreal is just one of 3 in the world, the other two are Berlin & Buenos Aires. Also known for its love of festivals, pretty architecture and amazing food scene, I particularly liked that Montreal is SO French. I finally made my way up to Montreal in February, during the height of winter and just in time to celebrate all things FUN this great city offers in the freezing cold. I cannot believe it took me this long to discover such a fabulous city so near to me (only a 5 hour drive from Boston) and I’m thrilled I made it a ‘Great Escape’.

eat

Mile-Ex

photo 3-1

Open just a year now, Mile-Ex Restaurant was casual resto I tried out for lunch. Loved that it had a small, simple menu and a few specials. As a person that can be overwhelmed by a lot of choices, I think less is often more. Do a few things and do them well. In the up-and-coming neighborhood of Mile-End known for its cultural diversity & all things cool, you can definitely tell this is where the young hipsters hang. I had the MOTHERF*****BURGER for $9 accompanied with a Belgian beer. Delish!

L’Assommoir

Assommoir

L’Assommoir is quite a treat for the cocktail lover and foodie alike. Located on a charming street in Old Montreal, I particularly enjoyed this spot on a blustery winter evening. As you enter L’Assommoir you are surrounded by mahogany wood tones and warm lighting with a very hip vibe. Offering over 300 varieties of mixed drinks, there isn’t anything they cannot create to satisfy a cocktail snob. Known for their ceviche, the grilled meats selections were quite tasty too. L’Assommoir also has DJs on the weekends. Tres Bon!

photo 1

Bouillon Bilk

On the fray of the recently revamped neighborhood, Quartier des Spectacles, you can find the fun and trendy Bouillon Bilk. You may hear people warn not to be scared by its location or let the minimalist, rustic decor steer you away. Locals say it’s one of the best meals you can have in the city. That’s something when Montreal really has a great food scene. The service is impeccable and the food is delicious and inventive. With a good selection of wine and beer, Bouillon Bilk is an unexpected surprise that Montrealers say is TOP NOTCH and a super value to boot.

drink

Sarah B.

absinthe

During my visit to Montreal, I was actually celebrating my birthday and there wasn’t a more delightful place toast a new year to moi than Sarah B. Absinthe Bar located in the InterContinental Montreal. Let’s just start with the bar’s tagline… “Pure sexytude. Where the Green Fairy may be met in a suave atmosphere”. OUI, I like it. My evening consisted of a private room & private absinthe tasting. Very VIP and parfait for Lola’s birthday. Sarah B. is named for Sarah Bernhardt, an infamous French actress known for her impulsive and eccentric nature that makes her an interesting enigma today. Sarah Bernhardt visited Montreal several times to perform and is closely tied to the historic Nordheimer building, adjacent to where the bar is housed.

Casa del Popolo

Casa del Popolo

Casa del Popolo, also located in the trendy Mile-End district, is a funky hipster bar with relaxed decor. I really liked the tin ceilings you can see pictured here. Mile-End is also considered a ‘hot bed’ for the Montreal indie music scene. You can find many DJs and bands performing here at Casa del Popolo. FYI, it’s a cash only bar.

Big in Japan

Big in Japan

The “popular with locals” Japanese brasserie, Big in Japan, is located on the busy Boulevard Saint-Laurent. More like a speakeasy, once you enter Big in Japan, you will forget about the world outside. Known for its great cocktails, sake, of course, is on the menu too. Part of the hip decor are the liquor bottles affixed to the ceiling creating a cool design effect. One thing to note, it can be somewhat difficult to locate Big in Japan. It’s the red door next to Patati Patata.

stay

InterContinental Montreal

ICM

Located in the Quartier International between Old Montreal and downtown, InterContinental Montreal is a luxury hotel that invites its guests to a world of elegance and comfort. InterContinental Montreal’s 357 rooms are stylishly contemporary with touches of warmth, perfect for my wintertime stay. You can find on site their French brasserie restaurant, Osco! as well as the unique and alluring, Sarah B. Absinthe Bar. Of course, when you are a 4-Diamond property you can also expect to find amenities like a fitness center, spa & salon as well as 24 hour Front Desk service. Most of all, I truly appreciated the hospitality and attentiveness of the staff. One of a kind!

Hotel Le St. James

hotel le st james

Hotel Le St. James, known as ‘THE PLACE’ for the jetset crowd as well as the famous, is housed inside a historical landmark building dating back to 1870. With 60 individually styled rooms and suites and located in the heart of romantic Old Montreal, St. James has everything you can expect in a top property like uber-luxurious furnishings and sleek sexy style. St. James has a state of the art gym and wonderful spa known for its personalized service as well as top-rated restaurant, XO, which offers modern and innovative cuisine. Hotel Le St. James is a multi-award winner being named on Conde Nast Traveler’s Gold List and given CAA/AAA Four Diamonds both in 2011 AND it’s received a Forbes 4-Star Hotel award every year since 2003.

Hotel Chez Swann

hotel chez swann

Centrally located in Montreal’s downtown area, Hotel Chez Swann is a funky 23 room boutique hotel that’s truly an experience. Taking inspiration from the spontaneity of the stage, Chez Swann is more art driven than design driven. Each room at Chez Swann is uniquely decorated with eclectic colors & materials taking guests to a scene of grand allusions. Very Lola if you ask moi! I love the fact that it feels like an art exhibit that’s ever-changing. No room for boredom here. Oh, and another detail to note, continental breakfast is included with your stay.

play

Spa

photo 4

The Scandinavian spa Bota Bota can be found docked at the Old Port in Montreal. Once a ferry boat, Bota Bota transformed this space into an uber chic spa with minimalist decor. The idea behind Bota Bota is to capitalize on the relaxing and invigorating virtues of water by alternating between hot and cold in the water circuit. Even on an icy cold day, one will warm up and get some of the most sublime views of the St. Lawrence River and city. I had an absolutely fabulous honey & sugar body scrub treatment while visiting. I also enjoyed a glass of traditional ice wine. C’mon, why not?!

Ice Skate

photo 2-1

To get to know Montreal in the wintertime, one HAS TO partake in some of her outdoor activities. Down in the Old Port you can find ice fishing and ice skating. In other parts of the city you can go snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. I was truly impressed with this winter wonderland of fun and that locals and tourists alike were out and about enjoying it.

Igloofest

photo 5

Each winter throngs of electronic music lovers dance under the stars at the Quays located in the Old Port of Montreal at Igloofest. I wasn’t scheduled to stay for this part of the weekend but a massive snow storm on the East Coast kept me in Montreal a day longer. BOY am I not sorry!! What a ball I had drinking and dancing in all my winter gear with the locals. (I told you Montrealers like to have fun regardless of the temps) Igloofest features some of the best local and international DJs and is surely one of the hottest things to do on a winter evening in Montreal. Running 4 winter weekends, I was thrilled to shake my boa & even get the event’s publicist, Francois, #lolafied!

A note of thanks to InterContinental Montreal for giving me an excellent press rate at their lovely downtown hotel. I cannot imagine a better place to spend my birthday!

And merci to Tourism Montreal for outlining such a tres fantastique itinerary! You helped me fall in love with Montreal even in the wintertime, which is really saying something as a warm-weather gal! Looking forward to my return to your fabulous city. As I wrote before, you very well could be my home away from home, Montreal. You are most definitely ‘Lola Approved’!!

PS – some of these fun photos are a la my friend, Anita from Travel Destination Bucket List, who helped to put this FAB trip together.

36 Comments

Filed under canada, hipster hotels, montreal, swanky luxe stays, the great escape, travel