It is nighttime here in Amsterdam and the city seems to be coming alive around me. From my window, I can hear people from the street singing in Dutch as revelers pour out into the crisp, Netherlands air. It seems that travelers here divide into two groups: those who come to Amsterdam for the promise of… [Read More]
Why I’ll Never Stay at an All-Inclusive Resort Again
When it comes to writing a story about a past trip, I usually start by taking a breath and transporting myself back to the destination. What did it feel like? What were the smells? What were the sounds? What were the locals like? I reach back in time to when I was in a… [Read More]
Checking into the Round Hill Resort in Jamaica
My name is Nikki and I am a writer from New York with a small apartment and $25k+ of student loans! When I walked out to my private pool at the Round Hill Resort I felt compelled to make this announcement because the irony that I, of all people, had a private pool and private villa… [Read More]
Checking into the Casa Santa Ana Hotel in Cartagena, Colombia
It’s early morning in Cartagena and my JetBlue flight from New York City already seems a distant memory as my cab zips along the narrow streets and cobble stone passageways of the city. I am headed to the Casa Santa Ana Hotel in the neighborhood of Getsemani, where socio-political graffiti and artwork is splashed… [Read More]
Checking into the Playa Manglares Hotel, Cartagena
The first thing that catches my eye as the van pulls up to Playa Manglares are the chickens; they are roaming around in families, even climbing trees (who knew that chickens could climb trees?). The next thing to catch my eye is Playa Manglares itself-an airy, 3-level home that is just steps away… [Read More]
Review: The Mandarin Oriental in Atlanta
This past March, I had the utmost pleasure of attending the Laughing Skull comedy festival in Atlanta, Georgia. After writing up a story about the underground comedy scene in New York City and the countless rising comics who live in the Big Apple, I decided to follow my writing to this national festival where… [Read More]
Review: Hotel Mazarin in New Orleans
Jules Mazarin was a French-Italian cardinal, diplomat and politician in the 1600s who was a noted collector of fine art and exquisite jewels. Mazarin had a particular love of diamonds, which he bequeathed the “Mazarin diamonds” for Louis XIV. With his name now synonymous with luxury and appreciation of the finer things in life,… [Read More]
Review: Hotel Le Marais in New Orleans
The excitement of Bourbon Street is starting to pick up pace as the streets fill with revelers in search of a good time. As intertwined couples walk distractedly down the sidewalks, twenty-somethings stroll past carrying their “Huge Ass Beers” and floating from bar to bar. New Orleans’ French Quarter is coming to life and… [Read More]
Review: York & Albany Hotel in London
Nestled in between London’s Regent’s Park and Camden rests the charming York & Albany Hotel and Restaurant, owned by Chef Gordon Ramsay. When one thinks of Chef Ramsay, their mind often turns to his household name and franchise that has reached stardom through various celebrated restaurants around the world, Hell’s Kitchen and other culinary endeavors…. [Read More]
