Happy holidays to everyone reading (anyone left?). I'm hanging out in Brooklyn with my teenager, playing hipsters, this weekend, still traumatized by the disastrous, sad news of Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds. The world will never be the same again. Both women left such a strong imprint on American culture, and I so hope that their spirits are joining up in heaven. I was a huge fan of Carrie Fisher when I was a teenager/young adult. I read all her books, hung onto her every word. She was so much more than Princess Leia. Don't get me wrong, I was a fan Read More
09Sep
Hotel Review: Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam
Posted by Leave a Comment
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
Posted by Leave a Comment
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