International Travel Archives

18Dec

TheCultureMom Hotel Review: Munich’s Hotel Laimer Hof

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On a recent visit to the city of Munich, I had the opportunity to stay at Hotel Laimer Hof. Having never visited the city before, combined with coming during the last leg of an European adventure, the hotel was a breath of fresh air. Set slightly outside the central part of the city in a charming neighborhood, the hotel is housed in a neo-Renaissance villa that was constructed in 1886. Not only is it a proud homage to its heritage, but it's family-run and the hotel's owners are fully invested in their guests. They want to make sure that not only are Read More

07Dec

TheCultureMom Hotel Review: Prague’s Paris Hotel

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On my recent visit to Prague, I stayed at the Paris Hotel. Uniquely decked out in Neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau decor, the hotel has a certain charm that took me back to a time long gone by, which I fully appreciated. It was right out of the 2011 film Midnight in Paris and i expected authors like Ernest Hemingway to walk in. From its high ceilings in the lobby to gold statues and sweeping staircases and chandeliers in the lobby, the hotel offers a very Parisian vibe. The exterior is especially welcoming and beautiful, filling us with wonder upon Read More

27Nov

TheCultureMom Hotel Review: Sheraton Krakow

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On my recent visit to Krakow, I was fortunate to stay at Sheraton Krakow. Not only is the hotel centrally located, but it's extremely comfortable and just exactly where we were meant to end up. I'll never forget the view of Krakow from our room, our ability to walk to Wawel Castle and my morning run around the Wisla River. At night, we would walk to town for pierogis and champagne. It was a very special visit - let me tell you more about it. Why Visit Krakow I was quietly impressed with the city of Krakow. While it has a rich yet painful history, Read More

25Nov

A Visit to the Haunted Warsaw Ghetto

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Several weeks ago while visiting Warsaw, my tour of the Jewish Ghetto started early in the morning. I was eager to get to know a city where my ancestors once lived before coming to the United States in the early part of the 20th century. My mother didn't know much about where they lived, but we wanted to see what life had been like and what had caused them to leave. Seeing the Ghetto was part of the soul-searching process we needed, even though the sad events had occurred after they'd left. What I was able to gather was that before World War 2, Jews Read More

25Nov

TheCultureMom Hotel Review: The Westin Warsaw

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On my recent visit to Warsaw, I spent two nights at the Westin Warsaw, a modern hotel with 20 stories in the heart of the city. It was my first time to the city, so I was particularly excited about this part of my European vacation.A short ride from the airport, we were there within 15 minutes. When I walked in and my eyes caught sight of its modern design featuring a vertical glass elevator tower and a glass spiral staircase, I was intrigued and pretty much won over. The staff at reception was very accommodating and we were eager for a good night's Read More

10Sep

Hotel Review: Copenhagen’s Hotel D’Angleterre

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Hotel D'Angleterre is the ultimate hotel for families to stay while visiting Copenhagen. It's a five-star hotel, and it truly deserves each and every one. On our recent visit, all four of us were visiting a new city and were full of wonder and excitement, not knowing what this part of the trip had in store for us. When our taxi pulled up to the hotel, we were all immediately in awe of its exterior. The hotel was constructed as a neoclassic palace, and it has maintained its 1870s historical aspects and is truly stunning from both the outside and the Read More

09Sep

Hotel Review: Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam

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If you're headed to Amsterdam and can afford to indulge, I implore you to stay at the Conservatorium Hotel. Built in 1897, the hotel is situated in a beautiful Neo-Gothic building that was originally the Sweelinck Conservatory of Music. In 2011, it was transformed into a deluxe hotel brand. It's the first member of The Set, a collection of of hotels for sophisticated, design, literary travelers in the 21st century, and let me tell you, it's classy - it's classic - yet it stays true to its roots. Besides the magnificent violin display you encounter when Read More

08Sep

Hotel Review: American Hotel Amsterdam

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When I found out we would be staying at the American Hotel Amsterdam, it immediately rang a bell. Why? One reason. Take a look. Recognize this bench? It's the bench used as a prop in the motion picture, Fault in Our Stars. Yes, my tween aged daughter and I loved that film. The Hotel De Filosoof in the movie is actually portrayed by the American Hotel Amsterdam, the retro, art deco hotel that sits in the center of the bustling Leidseplein. The real Hotel De Filosoof isn't far, though, and it's conveniently located right around the corner from Read More

06Sep

Hotel Review: Old Swan & Minster Mill in England’s Cotswolds

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When we first pulled up to the Old Swan & Minster Mill, I was instantly intrigued and inwardly delighted. The hotel is a village within a village, literally 60 rooms and a few cottages that resembles a small village. It has so much charm with its dose of traditional English culture and stunning setting, with a 18th century mill located on the River Windrush across 65 acres. It's right down the road from a cathedral and authentic ruins from Minster Lovell Hall, a 15th century Oxfordshire manor house, and the nearby scenery is dynamic. In addition, the Read More

05Sep

Hotel Review: The Rectory Hotel in England’s Cotswolds

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When I first walked into the Rectory Hotel during our recent visit to the Cotswolds, I was in total awe of its decor which is a modern ode to British culture. The hotel is a bit of Pottery Barn mixed with luxury, and its modern yet rustic features and amenities are extremely welcoming. Located in a grand Georgian country house on three acres of walled beautiful gardens, it was the perfect spot for my family to rest our heads and one of my favorite hotels I've experienced as of late. Why were we there? To experience some of England's most stunning Read More