Famous Sinners and Saints Come Alive In Paris

There are tours.. and then there are experiences that introduce you to the soul of a city so that it lives with you always. We experienced such a tour experience with Paris Walks during a walking tour of the Marais.

Personally, I usually hate tours; I always feel like cattle be herded along, never quite hearing everything. Therefore, when Susan said we were taking a Paris Walks tour, I humored her and consented. After all, aren’t we the experts? Well, grab your camera and head out to meet Peter Caine, the co-founder of Paris Walks for a memorable 2 hour exploration. Unlike most tours that require advance reservations, anyone is welcome to join a Paris Walks tour by arriving at the designated Metro stop at the predetermined time.  We scanned the online calendar of tours and chose to learn more about the “Sinners and Saints” of the Marais, and what a fabulous time we had. Read more

You May Have Hated Leona, But You’ll Love Her Restaurant!

We’ve found an outstanding New York Neighborhood Restaurant at the NY Helmsley Hotel – So good, it’s a not to be missed experience!

“This is our home – our hotel, we take care of it,” is the Helmsley mantra and true in every sense of the word.

‘Wicked’ is not a restaurant reviewer, but occasionally we discover a restaurant so remarkable, we would be remiss not to share it with our readers. Leona’s at the Helmsley Hotel is such a discovery. During our recent stay at the New York Helmsley, we were invited to dine in their newly renovated restaurant and bar – Leona’s. Say what you want about Leona Helmsley, she understood outstanding service. I have stayed at the New York Helmsley numerous times and every time the service has been consistently outstanding. This trip was no exception from check in to check out the service was impeccable. Leona’s restaurant was outstanding – a memorable experience and well worth writing about.

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Hotel Beauchamps – A Real Charmer in The Heart of Paris

Do you always wonder just where to stay in Paris.. left bank, right bank, Isle de la Cite? May I suggest a chic boutique Paris Elysees hotel, located just  two blocks off the Champs-Élysées, near the Arc de Triumph, and close to all transportation options? – The Hotel Beauchamps.  Next question, “Will the hotel be clean, bright, friendly?”   Let me tell you about this newly renovated boutique hotel with outstanding customer service, wonderful restaurant, ample sized bathrooms with “hot” showers and plenty of charm.  Now let’s discuss beds so wonderful you will be reluctant to get up in the morning.  And the pièce de résistance? -  Staff  that is amazing, welcoming, helpful and very eager to make your stay outstanding by sending you off each morning with a greeting and a smile, and welcome you home every night.  They are always at the ready to give touring advice, directions or to hail a cab. Read more

Flying with Class – Open Skies Airlines

Someone finally did it! – Created an airline focused on customer service – hooray. We’ve just returned from a trip to Paris on Open Skies Airways which is an all business class airlines with two classes of service;  Business Beds and Business Seats. The business bed seats are positioned facing each other with a fan divider running between for privacy.  A British Air subsidiary, Open Skies flies out of Washington Dulles and Newark to Orly Airport in Paris, and is a wonderful way to fly to Europe.Everything was first class from the ticket purchasing, to the boarding, to the flight. We felt we were boarding a private jet to wing us to our destination, maybe because there were only 60 passengers (80 max) thus making the experience intimate and very customer centric.

We arrived at Washington Dulles and were able to check in at the British Airways lounge.  Graciously greeted and welcomed (what a novel idea of thanking the customer), we relaxed while waiting to board our flight to Paris. You are welcome to participate in pre-boarding dinning, cocktails, or simply to snack and use the business center. The lounge service was A+, and since they notify you when it’s time to board your flight. you to can relax in comfy seats and enjoy the view. Read more

5-Star Sophistication Comes To Jamaica At Last

“Fasten your seat belts we’re off to Jamaica!”  Those were the words that solved the riddle of where we were heading on our Thrillist/JetBlue MysteryJet adventure.  While a plane full of fresh-faced bloggers, writers and contest winners whooped and hollered (no really, were they ALL 23???), I wondered just what Jamaica would have in store for my seasoned tastes.

From the moment we arrived at the Iberostar Grand Rose Hall Resort, I knew my worries were over.  Before me stood a luxurious, sophisticated, elegant, 5-star resort that promised an exceptional experience.  Pinch me…. is this really Jamaica-Mon?  Iberostar is definitely going on my list of premier resort developers.  Read more

Thrillist Delivers The Party Of The Century In Jamaica!

I’m just back from a whirlwind weekend in Jamaica thanks to the super folks at Thrillist.com, JetBlue and Iberostar.  These guys KNOW how to have a good time!

Take a look at the picture album from our “Mystery Jet Weekend” – it was a wild and crazy good time!

In case you’re not familiar with Thrillist.com – they are THE must visit site to find out what’s hot and thrilling in your city every night of the week.

Had Enough Bad News – Why Not Just Escape?!

If you’ve had enough of all the negative news, and the badgering of the ads screaming about great travel deals – How about grabbing one of those discounted airfares to Florida and escaping to a spa resort that promises to “Block out the world” for an hour or a day? The last thing on anyone’s mind is a day at the Spa. How can you justify a massage when you are watching every dollar? Well, here’s my plan…. forgo a restaurant dinner or two and instead take time to pamper yourself – get healthy in both body and mind; the glow of a spa day will last far longer than any meal! Even better, what if you could have a 20% discount on treatments? Read on!

A spa day is a luxury most of us have to stretch to afford, but I have found a true gem in Southwest Florida – at the Sanibel Harbour Resort and Spa that will be worth the splurge. It is located in Fort Myers, Florida (yes right near the spring training camps of the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins – say goodbye to the guys!), – just on the right before you head over the bridge to Sanibel. Fresh from a multi-million dollar rebuild (thanks to Hurricane Charlie) this property is truly a little slice of heaven. The minute you arrive, you’ll know you are in a special place. Read more

Beware Hotels Under Construction!

This past summer was a hotel construction nightmare for me. It began in June with the Wyndham Hotel in Burlington, VT. An organization I belong to had their Regional Conference at the hotel, which was planned two years in advance. We were assured the hotel construction would be finished. Not only was it not completed, we also were informed the hotel would be a Hilton very soon. I do not have to tell you the service was horrible and the “bad” attitudes at the front desk were unacceptable. Complain? To who? Read more

JetBlue Look Out – Virgin America is here!

I am writing this while I am on a JetBlue fight to Florida, and my big question is €œWHAT IN THE WORLD HAS HAPPENED TO JETBLUE€?

I am back in the air and flying regularly and forgot just how bad the airlines have gotten. Why do I feel like they are doing me a favor by letting me on their planes and I should be so thankful they gave me a ticket? When JetBlue started flying I thought they were amazing; great flight attendants, great service at the airports, just GREAT! So what has happened to JetBlue? Not one flight attendant has smiled; is that a new corporate policy? JetBlue, what are you doing to your employees? Can you believe the flight attendant just blocked one of the bathrooms with the service cart and is resting her elbows on the cart? – Sit down if you are tired. Read more

Do It Yourself Medical Kits

Never leave home without it! One of the first things I throw in my bag is a medical first aid kit, and some very important home remedies. Here are my tips on the best choices. Read more

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