26Dec

NYC Hotel Review: Hotel Giraffe

hotelgiraffe

My daughter and I just came back from a weekend getaway in NYC. We love our NYC getaways. For a few days, we roamed the city fancy-free, popping into movie theaters, cafes for lunch, Broadway shows, shops and holiday markets. There is nothing like the city during this time of year and we felt so lucky to experience it like natives for a few days. To rest our head at night, we chose Hotel Giraffe, located in the Flat Iron District. We weren't familiar with the hotel before we went, so I can honestly report that we were very satisfied and very impressed Read More

25Nov

TheCultureMom Hotel Review: The Westin Warsaw

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

02Dec

Hotel Review: The Garland in North Hollywood

PicMonkey Collage - garland

My daughter and I just got back from a stay at The Garland in North Hollywood. Billed as "Hollywood Glamour Meet Retro-Chic," the hotel is undergoing a massive renovation to achieve this image and it was clear from what has been completed that they're on their way. This family-owned establishment was named after the late Beverly Garland, a famous film and TV actress. She was responsible for its interior décor, which is a retro-modern oasis surrounded by gardens and palm tress. The result is quintessential Hollywood, with pictures of film stars Read More

19Aug

A Nautical Visit to Nonantum Resort

nonantum

We recently stayed at Nonantum Resort, a luxurious hotel in the heart of Kennebunkport, Maine. What was unique about the experience was that we were in the midst of a beautiful seaside village, complete with rocky beaches, waterfront cottages, sail boats, lobster fisherman and quaint shops and restaurants. The resort is ideal for a family trip as it's equipped with kid's activities (there's even a special tent dedicated to them, complete with a popcorn machine, movie screen, arts & crafts), sports (everything from kayaking to shuffle boarding), a Read More

17Aug

Family Bliss at Maine’s Inn By the Sea

innbythesea

During our recent family holiday in Maine, my family and I ventured to a luxury oceanside resort in Cape Elizabeth called Inn By the Sea. Little did we know that we would be experiencing a completely blissful stay that would raise our bar for family travel forever moving forward. Inn By the Sea offers spacious, modern, sleek suites with views of the ocean, gorgeous food served on the premises, children's activities, a full-service spa and an extremely attentive staff. We felt right at home as soon as we walked through the door and remained in a zen Read More

15Aug

Mother-Daughter Getaway at The Danforth

thedanforth2

My daughter and I just spent one night at The Danforth, a small inn in the heart of Portland, Maine, with a lot of history dating back to 1812. From a prohibition hideout to episcopal housing, from boarding school to bank ruins, from Russian fortune to hard luck tales, The Danforth has a rich Maine history. It was transformed into an inn in 1993 and was recently renovated by brand new owners who plan on investing as much as $1 million and a new restaurant.  The result is comfortable,stylish and lavish and made for a cozy 24-hour visit for the two of Read More

14Aug

A Visit to Maine’s The Lodge on the Cove

lodgeonthecove

We just spent 24 hours at an unexpected treasure of a boutique hotel called The Lodge on the Cove, part of the Kennebunkpost Resort Collection, in Kennebunkport, Maine. Tucked away in a secluded part of this famous seaside town is this simply sublime and stylish resort.  It's also extremely welcoming to families with its spacious rooms, spread throughout a property that edges a tidal cove one mile from the center of town, as well as its activity offerings. The hotel is a  converted motor lodge that re-opened last year. The owners commissioned local Read More

13Aug

A Visit to Essex Culinary Resort & Spa

chefanthony

My family and I just spent a few days at a very unique resort in Vermont called the Essex Culinary Resort & Spa. What is unique about it is not the fact that it's a located in a serene, beautiful of the state and offers a plethora of neither activities nor the fact that the grounds itself are breath taking and quite immaculate. What's unique is that the entire resort is based around cooking. As soon as you walk through the door, you are presented with homemade desserts and that is the just the tip of the iceberg with the serious culinary reality Read More

06Aug

A Multi-Generational Visit to Vermont’s Lake Morey Resort

  Follow my blog with Bloglovin This past weekend I packed the kids and my mom up and we fled to Vermont. Our destination was Lake Morey Resort, a family-style resort located on a 600-acre lake surrounded by greenery, filled with water sports and packed with memories. I try to take my mother away with us once a year to somewhere unlike anywhere she has ever been and somewhere with an appeal to my kids. Lake Morey Resort was ideal for this year's choice. The resort is rustic yet upscale at the same time. It has an old time feeling of genuine Read More

10Jun

My #SoloTrip to Grand Lucayan in Freeport

grand lucayan

If you're looking for a laid back weekend (and I know you are), you should consider the Grand Lacayan the Grand Bahama Islands.  I've just returned and can honestly say that it's extremely relaxing and a solid, clean resort on a beautiful stretch of land. I spent my days lounging on the beach, wading in the sea, exercising and getting a facial at the  resort's spa, sipping cocktails during sunset on the beach, swimming in the three pools, munching on Caribbean cuisine and reading and writing. As a result, I came back well-rested and ready to take on Read More