Plan Ahead

Nothing goes further in travel planning than planning ahead. And that goes double for train and bus travel. Traveling by train can be overwhelming–especially if you’ve never done it before. There are multiple train companies and finding one database to search for train and bus travel can be tough. Planning in advance offers several benefits. First, advance planning gives you the most flexibility because you have more options—seats, train times, destinations, etc. Plus, many trains and buses still require that you have pre-printed tickets from the ticket office so you want ample time to ensure that you receive these documents before embarking on your journey. Booking in advance also almost always lets you get the best pricing.

Get a Window Seat

Snagging a window seat on a bus or a train is pretty clutch. This is always one of my top tips because I think it’s so important in enjoying your trip. The panoramic views are the best part of train and bus travel!

Get Comfortable

Taking the bus and train helps you avoid the nightmare of airport travel—there is no need to arrive 3 hours early just to stand in security lines. There are far fewer delays than airplanes as you can imagine (though you do have to battle with traffic at times). But the comforts of the sky have made there way to many bus and train companies in the United States. Most modern bus and trains in the U.S. now offer leather seats, extra legroom, food and drinks served by an attendant, Wi-Fi amongst other perks. Plus you’re never out of touch with your phone. You can text the entire trip!

Pack Light

Nothing is more of a drag than train or bus travel with too much luggage. Since you don’t get to check your bags, you’re stuck carrying them with you in the train and bus station, you also are often responsible for putting items into overhead or underbelly compartments. So my advice is always to pack light.

Stay Vigilant

When traveling, it’s always a good idea to keep your wits about you. Be mindful of changing times, tracks and departure platforms. You should also be aware of those around you. Keep an eye on your stuff and

Understand Ticket Options

When booking train and bus travel you’ll need to understand all the ticket options—this may sound easy but you’d be surprised how many different classes of tickets there are around the country. First, there are different train classes—Economy, Comfort Class, First and Premier Class. As you can imagine, Economy offers the most value and as you get more pricey you get more benefits. There are also multiple types of reservations available. Be sure you know what you’re commiting yourself to.

Certain trains or buses offer “Reservations Required” (this applies to most high-speed and overnight trains), Reservations Recommended (While reservations aren’t mandatory, many companies include a reservation for these tickets whenever possible), and finally, Non-Reservable (this applies when seat assignments are not available—these are usually shorter regional rides). Depending on your trip you may also wish to look into getting a rail pass if you’re planning to extend your stay in any area for a long time.

Booking Your Tickets

Be sure to book from a ticket website that allows you to find the best deals like GoTicket, the largest database for bus and train tickets. You can search and find multiple bus and train travel schedules to the various cities of the United States here. GoTicket.io offers travelers visiting the website information about the different routes, schedules and ticket prices approximate bus and train to your destination. In addition , if the bus or train selected does not exist, it prompts the user several alternatives that reach their destination For more information, visit https://www.goticket.io/

*Travelingpanties created the content for this post entirely on our own.

Welcome to The Grand Paradise-take the trip of a lifetime-travel back to a tropical resort in the 1970s where a fountain of youth purports to quench visitors’ deepest longings-and then some.

If you think you’ve done immersive theater before, think again. Other productions like Sleep No More and Queen of the Night may tease audience members with the occasional interaction but at The Grand Paradise, prepare to become part of the show. Third Rail (known for their hit Then She Fell) curates personal and unforgettable moments for every audience member-ready or not.

Credit: Darial Sneed

The set is stunning and sweeps you away to another place. Enter a mystical world where you’re greeted by a gorgeous girl flirting with you from her underwater tank. Next, a handsome man places a garland of flowers around your shoulders and you’re left to wander the set for a bit before the cast arrives. The set marries sex, mystery and tiki-island charm all at once. Stumble into a boudoir, cabana and even a beach (complete with sand floor) during your trip. The music is hauntingly beautiful (inspired by Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours and composed by Sean Hagerty) and there is something very “Rocky Horror Picture Show” about the entire experience. When I realized how much interaction there was going to be I must admit to wanting to escape-at first. However, by the end (or perhaps the next day) I had digested the experience and gained an appreciation for its unique je ne sais quoi. If you’re looking for something fun and bizarre all at once-you’ve found it.

Credit: Darial Sneed

The show is actually a sequel to a performance that took place in Governor’s Island called “Roadside Attraction,” which was about a family road trip. The Grand Paradise picks up with the same family (loosely based on one of the artistic director’s real family vacations) who is vacationing again. The family is experiencing chaos (aren’t we all?). The children appear primed for a journey of sexual awakening during their coming of age while the parents appear to be stuck in a rut amidst midlife crises. Like most interactive theater experiences, you are able to follow different characters around and experience their stories. There are many rooms and characters-the cast is comprised of 20 performers in each show so you have your work cut out of you if you want to see as much as possible.

Credit: Darial Sneed

Be prepared to be torn from your party- you may end up locked away with a seductress, at a sexy nightclub, sharing a drink with a stranger, rubbing down a lifeguard with suntan lotion or even in the cabana boy’s room for a pillow fight (complete with Star Wars sheets).

Credit: Adam Jason Photography

A few things to note for optimal enjoyment-if you loathe awkward interactions, be the last to be invited in from the lobby and have a couple of drinks beforehand-or four. Know that you may experience sensitive sexual situations and nudity (male too) so if you have delicate sensibilities, you’ve been warned.

Credit: Third Rail Projects

If you’re still uncomfortable, there is a bar inside. Bottoms up.You’ll have to check all your belongings at the beginning of the show so don’t forget your credit card. Wear comfortable shoes because you’re on your feet for the entire two hours and there are limited opportunities to sit. My final wisdom is to let your judgment go and just enjoy the show. Take it all in-the sex, music, mystery and weirdness.

Credit: Darial Sneed

If it sounds like the most bizarre experience ever-then you’re right-it is. And now you’re ready. Escape reality and head to the Grand Paradise, tickets start at $115 per person. Audiences are limited to about 60 people. Performances are roughly 2 hours.

Credit: Third Rail Projects

For more information, visit The Grand Paradise online.

I visited during a special performance for media so I did not pay for my ticket.

The first thing to know is that brunch at the Waldorf Astoria in New York is iconic and absolutely enormous. You need to come hungry! It’s served every Sunday from 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM in the hotel’s lobby. Guests are seated in Peacock Alley but the spread is right in the lobby so hotel guests can witness the vast spread-and trust me it’s a sight to be seen!

The Waldorf Astoria brunch is legendary-and not just for the massive amount of delicious food it puts out (we’ll get to that). The Waldorf Astoria is responsible for the creation of so many of your favorite brunch dishes-from Eggs Benedict to the Waldorf Salad (duh) to even Red Velvet Cake (okay that one’s not brunch per se haha). And the Waldorf Brunch uses seasonal and local ingredients-they even use honey and vegetables grown from the hotel’s 20th floor rooftop garden!

So let’s take a look at the amazing spread so you can see just why it’s considered the best brunch in New York.

So for starters the raw bar with caviar, clams, oysters, lobster, king crab and shrimp is out of control! And it’s a buffet so if you want you can take it and put it all on your plate. Yep, unlimited caviar and lobster. This is not a drill. And it’s extremely high quality. I am quite particular when it comes to raw seafood (shouldn’t we all be?). There was a chef overseeing the area and shucking oysters on demand.

Just a couple more shots because, well, it’s gorgeous!

The salad looked pretty delicious but who can pay it much attention when there is a caviar bar… It was hard to capture it on my camera but I assure you it was insanely amazing! Four different kinds of caviar and all the accoutrements like shallots, chives, crème fraîche, and blinis (the tiny pancakes).

I got a better picture of my plate though!

Carb Heaven much? The pastries were delicious. Especially the croissants. They got full approval from my husband who is a croissant connoisseur.

And then the meats and the cheeses, can you even get over this? So beautiful.

And check out the Charcuterie. Such a gorgeous display.

There is an egg station making omelettes or Eggs Benedict on demand! Eggs poached to perfection right before your very eyes. Now that’s unusual! On the right is the carving station where there was leg of lamb and prime rib.

And how adorable are these individual servings of Waldorf salad? Just as yummy as they look!

And then there was the dessert! Can you even?? Everything from cakes to cookies to bread pudding to red velvet cake!

This guy is really diving in…

But the grand finale is a tie between on demand Baked Alaskas and the chocolate fountain! Yeah-a chocolate fountain! Here the chef is firing up the Baked Alaskas below. They were amazing!

And then la pièce de résistance! The chocolate fountain!

There is live piano music throughout the event, which is a lovely touch. And the hotel’s famous clock can be heard chiming in the restaurant. Few experiences are more New York than brunch at the Waldorf. If you’re a local or a visitor, it deserves at least one visit.

Brunch at the Waldorf though doesn’t come cheap-pricing starts at $125 per adult, $75 per child (5-12) and that doesn’t include gratuity and tip. I think it’s definitely worth it!

Surprisingly, New York City empties out around the holidays to some extent because locals flee the city. So it was the perfect time to hole up in Midtown right near all the shopping-but we had an escape-right around the corner. The Quin made a lovely home for the weekend and lived up to its luxurious reputation.

Arrival

You can fly into JFK, LGA or EWR (Newark) to get to Manhattan.

We came and dropped our bags off early. The hotel was supposed to call when the room was ready but they never did. Nevermind, I didn’t make it back until 3pm at check-in time anyways.

Welcome Amenity? Sadly, no.

The Grounds

When you enter the hotel, although the lobby is small they have done a nice job on the space and have made it look stylish and contemporary yet elegant. Since it was still the holiday season, there were two giant Christmas trees in the front window-both beautifully decorated.

There are two main areas to sit. One in the front by the windows where you can watch passers by and another at the rear of the building. There are a couple of computers and some lovely books for guest use.

The Fitness Club: The fitness club is on the 2nd floor and is available to guests 24/7 to fit a true Manhattanite’s schedule. The equipment is very new. There are 2 treadmills, 2 bikes, 2 elliptical machines and weights. They offer complimentary headphones, towels, towelettes, water and gatorade.

The Rooms

Rooms offer either an interior or a street view.

We were in room 1007, which is a luxury premier suite. It was very spacious.

Room decor is modern and elegant yet warm and still cozy. The bed was extremely comfortable. There were also light/drape controls for the entire room by the bed, which is always a nice touch.

Closet/Dresser Details? One closet that I thought was very spacious. There is also a coat closet in the front room of our suite.

Charging Situation? There were several plugs and one even allowed you to plug USB directly into it.

Turn-Down Service: Yes, and they leave a little quote of the day, which I love!

Bottled Water? Complimentary and as much as you want.

Here was our view. Very Manhattan. Views get higher as you go to higher floors of course.

Coffee maker? Nespresso machine with lovely glassware.

Reading Material in the Room? Yes, a few books.

White Glove Inspection: The bedroom was very clean. The sheets were pulled taught and the bed was well made. The couch in the living room, however, had a few pieces of dust and actually had a few crumbs, which really was not the best way to start off my stay.

The Bathroom

The bathroom is one of the best parts about this room. It was so bright, modern and fresh. The glass enclosed toilet and shower were beautiful (though kind of funny to bother enclosing a toilet with glass.

Makeup Mirror? Yes. And it lit up. Also the main mirror lit up as well. Brightest. Bathroom. Ever. In the most fantastic way.

Hairdryer? Not very high powered. Took me a while to dry my hair.

Designer Toiletries? Check! And I must say, my hair never looked better!

Towel quality? Very wonderful indeed!

Robes? Yes! Monogrammed with The Quin insignia on the sleeves.

Amenities? Q-tips (extremely fancy ones), shower cap, mouthwash, sewing kit and lotion.

And don’t you just love this Kleenex box? So beautiful.

And the piece de resistance? The giant bathtub! Though we couldn’t get the drain to work and it was late Sunday we didn’t feel like dealing with the plumber…

And this shower!

The Food & Drink

The Wayfarer restaurant stands out for its cocktails. The tuna tartare is better than the sushi, which lacks finesse. The lobster chowder is mehh. The short rib roast with egg noodles though was FANTASTIC!!

The Little Things

Did I feel truly welcome by the staff? Yes, our housekeepers we met were all extremely friendly.

Wi-Fi? Yes, complimentary for as many devices as you like.

Mini-Bar? Look at all these fun little snacks! I mean they’ll cost you your first born but they offer quite a great selection.

Complimentary Newspapers? Yes.

Room Service? I think this room service spread is one of the most impressive I have ever seen. The cheese board was enormous and delicious. And they sent us complimentary martinis, which came mixed with ice on the side ready to be shaken.

Special Treats: That’s one thing the hotel is missing-there were never any fun treats for guests either in the lobby or the room.

Good For Families: Yes. Good location near lots of attractions.

Room for Improvement

The room should be reviewed a little more closely before the guest arrives. The couch was a little dirty. There were actually a few crumbs and pieces of lint and that turned me off initially. But the rest of the room was immaculate so I looked past it. I also think they could offer guests a little more in the way of freebies-apples or hot chocolate in the lobby goes a far way.

The Wow Factor(s):

The bathroom to me is absolutely gorgeous. I also loved the electronic controls for all the drapes and lights. It made you really feel like you were staying somewhere better than your own home (or at least mine!). I also fell in love with the incredible cheese plate sent to me by the hotel. I have just never seen such a beautiful presentation.

The Bottom Line: Would I recommend it? Am I coming Back?

I would absolutely stay here again and recommend it to friends and family staying in town. (and already have)

The Quin Hotel New York Information

Address: 101 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019

Phone: (212) 245-7846

The Quin New York Website

*Disclaimer* As is common in the travel industry, writers are provided with complimentary services for review purposes. Although my visit was part of a press trip–meaning that I did not pay, all opinions herein are my own. You can’t buy the love here, people! Just ask my husband!

“And the name of this fallacy is called golden-age thinking…” — Midnight in Paris

But I digress… I am so utterly charmed by everything that is Bemelmans Bar. And here’s why I think it’s one of New York City’s most classic and wonderful bars worthy of a visit.

This piano bar bears the name of the artist who painted its famous colorful murals-Ludwig Bemelman. You may know him as author and illustrator for the classic children books about Madeline. You remember the ones…”Lived twelve little girls in two straight lines … The smallest one was Madeline.”

In exchange for the murals, in place of payment, Bemelmans instead asked that he and his family take residence at the hotel for the duration of his work. Smart Man, huh? His drawings, which feature whimsical animals and other cheerful characters provide a welcome contrast to an otherwise overwhelming amount of luxury.

Image courtesy of The Carlyle

Cocktails are taken very seriously and that’s just one more reason Bemelmans Bar is one of my favorite bars!

Image by Travelingpanties.com

Cocktails will cost ya but when you settle into a leather banquette and listen to live music in the cozy atmosphere you’ll feel like New York City is magical once again.

Order a martini at Bemelmans (prices start at $21) but they come with a sidecar that almost is another entire full drink so I promise it’s money well spent-one might say it’s almost like 2-for-1. A nightly cover charge applies (Sun & Mon at 9:00 PM; Tues-Saturday at 9:30 PM). It is $25 per person at the table and $15 per person if you’re at the bar. You’re paying for the live music-$25 for an entire night of music by a jazz trio seems like a bargain to me. If I’m being honest though, I love coming for a drink after work when the music and vibe is even more casual and tunes by Sinatra and the like top the playlist. While drinks are still pricey, you won’t have a cover charge and it’s not quite as crowded. The scene at this piano bar definitely brings in an older crowd, hotel guests and also men trying to impress their dates but the vibe is still class all the way. And very New York, dahhhhling.

Did any of y’all watch A Very Murray Christmas? It takes place at the Carlyle Hotel and much of the Netflix original was shot in Bemelmans Bar-and Bill Murray isn’t the only celebrity clientele you may find tucked away in a booth here.

Image via A Very Murray Christmas

Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) took Louise (Jennifer Hudson) here for drinks in Sex and the City the movie! “Enjoy yourself – that’s what your 20s are for. Your 30s are to learn the lessons. And your 40s are to pay for the drinks!”

Image via Sex and the City Movie

As always, all opinions herein are my own. I was recently treated to a round of drinks at the bar and had my cover charge waived. However, I spent the entire evening here and spent plenty of my own hard-earned cash (gladly) on martinis and mini burgers.

For more information, visit Bemelmans Bar at the Carlyle Hotel online.

Location:

The Ritz-Carlton Central Park is (shockingly) across the street from Central Park. It’s located on 59th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues. If you don’t know Manhattan, that’s Central Park South-quite a posh address indeed! Right around the corner from The Plaza where I also recently experienced the iconic tea time at the Palm Court.

Afternoon Tea is served in Star Lounge, which is right across from the main entrance in the lobby. Its world famous Afternoon Tea is served daily from 2:00 PM- 4:00 PM. Reservations are required.

The Ambience

As you can see, the lounge is dimly lit and very cozy. I visited during the holiday season so it’s extra special with such a gorgeous tree! There aren’t any windows and you can’t see Central Park-just something I know many people wonder. But it’s absolutely lovely. Very posh, warm and the perfect place to spend an afternoon. I’s calm and soothing and they were playing lots of Frank Sinatra music. Absolutely lovely. Oh and the Wedgewood china in my opinion is gorgeous!

The Tea

There is an excellent selection of custom-blended teas though I did miss a Rooibos (my personal favorite). I tasted the Nutcracker, which was a vanilla and hazelnut black tea. It was delicious.

The Food

Now to the good stuff! The Afternoon Tea menu at the Ritz-Carlton changes seasonally. It offers special seasonal teas, sandwiches and sweets that reflect the changing times of the year. It costs $65 per person. If you want to add a glass of champagne that’s a la carte.

The first course of tea sandwiches were delicious. Each person got five sandwiches.

Bottom: Slow roasted beef filet with a beet and horseradish slaw on a cheddar biscuit and Pear, Roquefort aioli and micro watercress on brioche.

Middle: Pretzel Roll with uncured ham, emmental cheese and spiced mustard and then Salmon pastrami with fine herb cream on Black Bread.

Top: Grilled chicken, arugula, semi dried tomato and feta pesto in a pie-like shell.

The Scone

This is easily the best scone I have ever tasted. It was perfectly crusted with a dusting of sugar on top for the perfect crunch. Served with clotted cream, lemon curd and an assortment of jam. The scones change seasonally as well. For the holiday tea they offered a dried fruit scone, which is a way more delicious take on a fruit cake. Scrumptious! I could have eaten 2 but each person gets just one. Though the service is so great, I suspect if you bat your eyelashes you may get another.

The Sweets

I mean look at this tower…

Clockwise: Rhubarb crumble, banana éclair, pomegranate opera cake, apple spice cupcake, lemon fruit tart and orange almond cake.

As you can see, the desserts were gorgeous. Truth be told I’m more of a chocolate person and even I was happy with them.

The Presentation

As I mentioned briefly above, I loved the Wedgewood china. I also loved the miniature tiered trays.

The Service

Our waiter and everyone else who helped was extremely friendly. It’s the Ritz-they know how to do service. They also pour your tea for you as soon as it looks like you need a refill!

Final Thoughts

I would come back in a heartbeat. Definitely a lovely place to come if you’re visiting New York or even if you’re a local New Yorker. Nothing feels touristy about Afternoon Tea in Star Lounge.

Sadelle’s is owned by Major Food group, which also owns city faves like Parm, Carbone and Santina. The scene is bustling, with crowds coming in early to get their hands on sticky buns that the New York Times named the number one must try dish of 2015.

Sadelle’s bagels, baked in a giant oven at the heart of the restaurant, come out piping hot and perfect every time. You’ll know they’re coming when you hear waiters roar “Hot bagels!” All at once. Staff pass them around on long sticks before they have a chance to cool. Towers of smoked fish pair perfectly for a traditional New York breakfast of bagels and lox-but taken to a whole new level.

The French toast is some of the best I have ever tasted, perfectly crispy on the outside and a doughy, oozing warm center served with raspberry preserves and syrup. This picture doesn’t do it justice!

The iced coffee is outstanding, served with crushed ice filled to the top. Reservations are accepted but if you can’t snag a table you can pop into the front where you can get your hands on plenty of goodies to go like the buns, bagels and smoked fish.

The chopped salads are humongous and absolutely amazing! They come out undressed but your server will happily mix the chopped amazingness for you!

The matzoh ball soup was also to die for! And don’t forget to try the sticky buns. Put an order in early as they often run out on the weekends.

Can’t wait to go back again soon. Reservations are accepted and I highly recommend it. Sadelle’s serves dinner as well but brunch is where it’s at.

Check out some of the other places I think serve the best brunch.

I was given a complimentary meal for purposes of this review but as always all opinions herein are my own. Trust me, I am given tons of free things that you never hear about because they don’t have the Travelingpanties WOW factor.

]]> http://travelingpanties.com/2016/01/03/new-york-citys-best-brunch-sadelles-in-soho-for-jewish-favorites-like-bagels-lox-and-amazing-french-toast/feed/ 0 http://travelingpanties.com/2015/12/29/honeymoon-guide-chiang-mai-thailand-what-to-do-where-to-stay-best-restaurants-and-more/ http://travelingpanties.com/2015/12/29/honeymoon-guide-chiang-mai-thailand-what-to-do-where-to-stay-best-restaurants-and-more/#respond Tue, 29 Dec 2015 17:23:23 +0000 http://travelingpanties.com/?p=14154

Who Will Like Chiang Mai, Thailand?

Those who seek adventure and culture.

What to do in Chiang Mai

For the culture-seekers:

• A visit to Wat Phrathat, the city’s famous golden-gilded temple, is a must-see.

• Taking a cooking class with your loved one and learning the secrets of Northern-Thai cooking is also not to be missed. Mastering the art of cooking each other’s favorite Thai dishes is the ultimate souvenir that you will enjoy for years to come.

• Check out Night Bazaar or weekend Walking Markets. Visitors will revel in a shopper’s paradise where streets are lined with vendors selling everything from novelty items to handmade Thai silk. Bargaining is customary here, so be sure to give it a try!

• Travelers looking for a spiritual experience should take part in the giving of the Alms procession for the monks, which occurs daily at the crack of dawn.
• 

For thrill-seekers:

• Trek through the Thai jungles atop an elephant’s back (check out Chiang Dao Elephant Training center, which is praised for its humane treatment).
• If you’re looking for something even more adventurous, climb into a tiger’s cage at Mae Rim’s Tiger Kingdom and play with baby or full-grown cats.

• Once you’ve experienced what this spectacular city has to offer, head indoors to one of Chiang Mai’s many extravagant resorts for some R&R (more about these resorts below).

Where to stay

Chiang Mai’s hotels are famous for the over-the-top luxury that they afford newlyweds. Tim Krenzien recommends The Four Seasons Resort, Chiang Mai as well as the Mandarin Oriental, Dhara Dhevi to his clients looking for extreme luxury.

Nicola Chilton, Senior Director of Public Relations for The Four Seasons, Asia-Pacific, informed us about the abundance of romantic activities tailored specifically to honeymooners, like a private candlelit dinner overlooking the rice fields or the many couples treatments offered by its world-class spa, like signature Thai massages or Chakra Blessing treatments.

For couples looking for luxury at a lower price point, check out The Chedi, Chiang Mai, which is conveniently located in the heart of the city on the banks of the renowned Mae Ping River, just blocks away from the Night Bazaar. This contemporary hotel provides the perfect escape from the bustling metropolis. What The Chedi lacks in scenery that the Mandarin and Four Seasons offer in the countryside, it makes up for with elegant guest rooms and its central locale. The Chedi also has one of the best restaurants in the city, serving up gourmet Indian and Korean cuisine.

And speaking of food…

Where to eat and drink

Believe it or not, some of the best food in the city can be found at food vendors on the street. These carts may not be five star, but they serve up some of the nation’s finest cuisine. Sampling street food is a must-have experience while in Thailand. It’s part of the local culture and it’s dirt cheap, so why not give it a try?

The fried noodle and soup noodles are fantastic, as are the fresh-cut, tropical fruits like jackfruit and durian. And don’t forget to grab a plastic bag full of freshly-squeezed passion fruit juice.

Restaurants

• Here is an entire article about my picks for the best restaurants in Chiang Mai.
• For romantic dinner reservations, if you’re looking for elegant Thai cuisine, check out La Grand Lanna at the Mandarin Oriental.
• For magnificent views overlooking the lake, visit Palaad Tawanron.
• For local and sustainable vegetarian fare, chow down at Pun Pun.
• For a taste of authentic northern Thai praised by famed foodie Anthony Bourdain, visit Aroon Rai.

When to go

The best time to visit Chiang Mai is during its dry season, which is roughly November through May. Nicola Chilton from The Four Seasons highly recommends visiting Chiang Mai during the Yi Peng Lantern Festival (typically in November), which is an enchanting experience where thousands of lanterns are floated into the evening sky.

What to watch out for

Thailand is infamous for its sex shows, which despite their popularity, are actually illegal. Many couples fall into the trap of wanting to experience a seemingly innocent adventure and end up having to bribe cops out of an arrest. You do not want your honeymoon to end with a trip to a Thai prison.

Visitors should also be wary of vendors selling designer items. No matter what these crafty salesmen say, these goods are almost always counterfeit.

Last Tips

I highly recommend complementing your trip to Chiang Mai with other amazing cities like Koh Samui, Thailand; Hanoi, Vietnam; Luang Prabang, Laos; Siem Reap, Cambodia.

And don’t forget to read our articles about how to prepare to travel to Thailand and what to pack and how to dress appropriately in Southeast Asia!

*This article was originally published on SheKnows.com*

This is me below in my happy place! Chilling at the gorgeous pool at Villa D’Este. Ahhhh….

Arrival

Getting There is quite simple. You can take a direct flight from New York to Milan. Once there though you’ll need to head by car or bus about an hour north to Lake Como.

The Grounds

Villa D’Este truly is one of the amazing hotels of the world with enough history for an entire book. It was originally built as a summer getaway in the 16th century and has drawn the likes of celebrities and classy clientele ever since. Fun fact-Alfred Hitchkock made his first movie here, The Pleasure Garden.

Basically, this is as grand and classic of a hotel as you will find anywhere in the world. There are awe-inspiring floral arrangements, wide hallways, elegant furnishings, breathtaking views and incredible service. I was blown away by just how gorgeous this place actually is.

It’s worth mentioning service is where this place excels. It’s one of those places where the employees have been for decades. They are old-school and charming as can be.

The hotel also boasts an incredible indoor pool should you wish to take a break from the sunshine. There is also a Sports club, which includes tennis courts.

Could there be anything more beautiful than this view from lunch? How could one NOT have a glass of wine?

The Gardens:

Even those who don’t like romantic strolls will be quick converts. These gardens are like nothing you’ve ever seen.

The Lobby

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The Rooms

There are 152 stately rooms in two separate buildings: the main Cardinal building, and those in the 19th century Queen’s Pavilion (it was actually built for a queen). They’re filled with unique and classic antiques, artwork, silks and all things traditional. Bathrooms are of course marble and posh. Each is uniquely decorated by the way. Love when hotels do that. So classy.

This is the double classic room (above)

The Food & Drink

There are two main restaurants. The first is where the breakfast buffet is served. This is glass-enclosed and offers amazing views. The second is a more informal restaurant. Each serves classic Italian specialties but you can also get local goodies like Lake fish (not my thing). The food is good but wasn’t the strongest draw of the hotel by any means. The view from lunch was blinding though. I didn’t care a bit about eating. All I wanted was my aperitif and the view forever and ever.

The hotel’s main bar has live music and is the place to see and be seen. There is also a bar by the pool, which of course was my favorite spot.

Look at these flowers!

The Little Things

Did I feel truly welcome by the staff? Yes, yes, yes! They’re all spectacular.

Specialty Cocktails? I recommend going for traditional Italian cocktails. My favorite is an aperol spritz.

Wi-Fi? Yes and complimentary.

Good For Families: Children are definitely around but they are seen and not heard. They were really quite well-behaved. It’s clear that parents in Europe don’t tolerate what American parents think is okay, which I sincerely appreciated. There is a Junior Club during high season.

The Wow Factor(s):

My most memorable experience was sitting at the pool. The deck is on the lake also so you rock all day, which is very peaceful. Oh and having some midday drinks by the pool is as good as it gets! Villa D’Este is the definition of Grand Dame! The exquisite details like period furnishings and oil painting give this place grandeur and charm that I will never forget. That and the dedicated staff.

Don’t forget to check out our other posts about Venice and Florence Italy.

Villa D’Este Information

Worth noting that the hotel is only open from April-November.

Address: Via Regina 40, 22012 Cernobbio, Como, Italy

Website

*Disclaimer* As is common in the travel industry, writers are provided with complimentary services for review purposes. Although my visit was part of a press trip–meaning that I did not pay, all opinions herein are my own. You can’t buy the love here, people! Just ask my husband!