Hotels (Index)
Traveling soon? These are some of the places my family and I have stayed. Some were amazing, while others were just meh. If you’ve got a recommendation for me, be sure to leave a comment and let me know.
Category: Hotels
Shilla Stay Hotel Haeundae
Location, location, location! You can’t beat Shilla Stay Hotel Haeundae when it comes to location. It is literally across the street from the famous Haeundae Beach in Busan.
Somerset Palace Seoul
The Somerset Palace Seoul is located near two of the five grand palaces in South Korea—Gyeongbokgung Palace and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Changdeok Palace. While it’s not a 4-star hotel as it bills itself, it’s located in a central area. I would stay there again.
Angad Arts Hotel
The Angad Arts Hotel is one of the more unique properties I’ve stayed at. Located in a vibrant theatre and arts district, it’s equal parts art gallery and trendy hotel. It’s also the first hotel of its kind where guests select their rooms not just by the number of beds they’ll need, but by the color and emotion they want to feel during their stay. No, for real!
Le Méridien Clayton
Location. Location. Location! One of the reasons I wanted to stay at the Le Méridien Clayton was because it was so close to all the things I wanted to see.
SpringHill Suites Springfield
This was our first hotel stay during the COVID-19 pandemic and we were a bit nervous. However, the hotel wasn’t overbooked, everyone social distanced and wore masks, and we felt safe. But me being me, I did bring my own disinfectant wipes to clean the surfaces (doorknobs, remote controls etc.) … just in case.
Lotte Hotel Busan
The Lotte Hotel Busan is a 15-minute cab ride from the train terminal. We drove past the famous Haeundae Beach, where they were setting up for some of the Busan International Film Festival events. It was too cold to go swimming when we were there, but it’s a gorgeous spot to take a walk.
W Hotel Seattle
The W hotels are always stylish and this one in Seattle is no exception. The design is sleek and not fussy. The rooms are nicely sized, clean and well laid out. I usually don’t care for the bath products at most hotels, but the Bliss foaming face wash and shampoo are fantastic!
W New Orleans – French Quarter
Located near Bourbon Street and Jackson Square, the W New Orleans is located in a great area that made it easy to walk to restaurants, music venues and sites.
The Guest House at Graceland
A Krispy Kreme donut and Elvis Presley dancing. If you can think of a better way to wake up in Memphis, do let me know! It felt really special visiting Graceland and staying overnight at the Guest House at Graceland. I’m not ashamed to admit that I was so excited to be there, that I selfied my way through the visit. I don’t need to share those photos publicly though.
Regent Singapore
When you’re traveling overseas and don’t want to rent a car, being in a central location is key. That’s one reason my husband and I opted for the Regent Singapore, a Four Seasons Hotel. It’s a close walk to all the shopping on Orchard Road (comparable to Beverly Hills) and just a few minutes from the gorgeous Singapore Botanic Gardens (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Residence Inn Springfield South
My husband and kiddo had never visited Abraham Lincoln’s home. The last time I was there was for my 8th grade school field trip. So, we took a road trip to Springfield, Ill., and had a lot of fun exploring and finding great places to eat. We could’ve driven back home, but that would’ve made for a loooongggg and not as fun trip.
Langham Hotel Chicago
Our son likes to travel. He has taken high-speed KTX “bullet” trains in Seoul, played in New York City’s Central Park and fed dolphins in Paradise Island (Bahamas). All of that was amazing. But it’s wonderful having a first-rate destination with skyscapers, museums and all the delicious dining choices right in our own back yard. Chicago, we can’t quit you!
Artnouveau City III Seocho Hotel (Seoul)
Located between Gangnam Station and Gyodae Station, Seoul’s Artnouveau City III Seocho Hotel is easily accessible and centrally located within walking distance of shops/restaurants.
Four Seasons Chicago
There is something to be said for living it up every once in a while, savoring the moment and loosening up the purse strings a bit. On our next road trip, we’ll be back to budget hotels and it’ll be just fine. But, in our memories, we’ll always have the Four Seasons.
Peninsula Chicago
Located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, the Peninsula Chicago is a gorgeous hotel. What made it stand out for me wasn’t the room (which was nice, but not extraordinary). Rather, it was the fabulous indoor pool with a gorgeous view of the city. I don’t think I’ve ever stayed at a hotel with a pool and deck as lovely.
The Muse New York
Our room at the Muse was small, but chic, and incredibly comfortable. There was one king-sized bed and a leopard-print divan, where our pint-sized two-year-old took naps.
Atlantis Bahamas
Our room at the Atlantis was beautiful. But let’s be honest. You don’t come to the Atlantis to sleep. As a family with a toddling baby, we needed to make sure there was enough for him to do.
Malmaison Edinburgh
Located in Leith — Edinburgh’s bustling port district — the Malmaison is within walking distance of a United Nations-variety of restaurants.
WaterColor Inn & Resort
The WaterColor Inn & Resort, named for the small planned town it fronts on the Panhandle’s charming Route 30A (between Destin and Panama City) is one of those hotels that has had a surprisingly good reputation from the start, for no particular reason. The proof is in the fact that everytime you try to book a stay, the rates are astronomical. That is, if you can even get a room. Hassle! Just to make a visit more difficult, you can no longer fly nonstop to the region. Already, you’re wondering: Why not just go to the Caribbean?