A mix of culture, history, luxury, great food, iconic sites and lakeside views–it’s not too hard to have a perfect day ins Geneva. I toured through this charming city, which feels more like a village, in order to share my favorite spots with you. The Old Town, or Vieille Ville, the Carouge neighborhood, […]
The Hotel Snob visits Saint Lucia’s Northern Coast and reviews the intimate, boutique Cap Maison. This luxury property is perched on a cliff with it’s own private beach and beach grill, infinity pool, sunset views and private dining out on the water–literally. Take a look.
July Fourth is one of my favorite holidays (#2 on the list to be exact.) I mean, what’s not to love about a holiday that a). includes a day off from work, b.) involves hanging out all day with friends & family, c.) every American, regardless of religion, can participate and d.) promotes barbecues, cocktails and being outside. To me, it also marks that it is full blown SUMMER season. Oh, and Fireworks are just a cherry on top.
As an LA transplant, I scoured this little town for the best goings on this Fourth of July. Take your pick.
1. In a Pool
This partyparty pool at Mondrian will definitely make your Fourth one to remember (albeit hazily). The Skybar is hosting all day DJs, cocktails, fun pool floaties and jaw dropping LA views–what’s not to love? Tickets are reasonable at $25 and available here. I was sold by the photos of their recent Memorial Day party.
2. On the Water
Hit up Marina del Rey’s Burton Chace Park, make a reservation at a waterfront restaurant or find a friend with boat. You won’t get better sunset or fireworks views and as the nearest host of the fireworks on the beach, the atmosphere will be festive to say the least. If you are going the picnic in the park route, get there EARLY. Spots are usually filled by 6pm for the 9pm fireworks.
Whiskey Red’s, located right along the scenic marina, is hosting a buffet barbecue and reservations are being taken now for patio ($62.95) or indoor seating (52.95)–but come on people, you want the patio.
3. On a Roof
High, the rooftop of Venice’s funky hotel gives you unobstructed views of the fireworks, the sunset and the pretty people that are sitting at the tables next to you. A table reservation gets you 2 beers, a cocktail, a gourmet sausage and DJ to complete the perfect summer evening. What’s more American than that?
4. On a Boat
The Queen Mary is welcoming revelers on board for a day filled of events–from a circus to a Great Gatsby party, each decade from the 1940s will be represented, letting attendees party through the ages. The ticket gets you on board and access to the events, plus prime viewing of the Long Beach fireworks from the deck. Purchase your tickets here for a hefty discount ($26 vs $44 on their website).
The Hotel Snob goes to the shishi Parker Palm Springs to see what all the fuss is about. She indulges her way through Norma’s, the Lemonade Stand, saltwater pools and the various lawn games, all underneath the swaying palms and bright blue sky of the desert. Watch her review.
Oceanfront views: check. Stunning grounds: check. Fantastic restaurant: check. Croquet: check.
The Four Seasons The Biltmore Santa Barbara ticks off a lot of boxes–watch the full review to find out if it’s worth the splurge for getaway.
Hotel Widder. If you go to Zurich, you have to stay here. There’s nothing more to say. Best location, best design, best staff, best food and best bar hands down. Don’t believe me? Then watch this:
I had no idea what to expect when the train rolled into Zurich. I knew it was the capital, one of Switzerland’s biggest cities, and from I had heard, very pretty. But I wasn’t expecting what I found.
I only had about 24 hours, but from the amazing macarons at Sprungli, to the hot bars out in Zurich West, to the culinary playhouse that is MarktHalle, I had a blast. And it didn’t hurt that my hotel, the Hotel Widder, was not only modern and stylish, but it was the PLACE TO BE in the evening at the Widder Bar. The food at this jazz bar was superb but the main draw was the “library of spirits” and the expert bartenders that made swanky, sexy named drinks.
I spent a lovely evening with Corina Sohner from the hotel, and she and I had fun tasting Markus Blattner’s concoctions. And Alexsander Kroll’s dinner was a dining experience that I’ll never forget. Dish upon dish was served and each were as beautiful as they were tasty. I insisted on going behind the scenes into the kitchen to see where the magic happened. The kitchen was just as pristine as the dining room and it’s no wonder that every dish is a marvel considering the time that is spent perfecting each detail.
I was sad to fly out from Zurich and wanted more time to explore the winding streets of the Alstadt–which looked like a page out of medival fairytales. However, I know my week as a Swiss Miss only confirmed that I’ll be returning and spending much more than a week in this vibrant, innovative and just plain breath-taking country. At least for now, I’ll have my videos so I can relive all those moments (and delicious meals!).
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