Found 22 posts tagged as "Natalie Taylor"
 Celebrity chefs are a hot commodity and airlines are noticing, so much so, that they're hiring them to revive their menus - and reputations. British Airlines is the most recent airline that has made a partnership with gastronomic genius, Heston Blumenthal (of famed restaurant Fat Duck) to create sky-high tasty delights like "Rillette of mackerel dressed on a pickled cucumber carpaccio with sour dough croutes." Airport dining is getting an upgrade, too. Toronto's most noted chefs from Mark McEwan (Bymark, One, North 44) to Rocco Agostino (Pizzeria Libretto, Enoteca Sociale) are bringing their flavours to the Toronto Pearson International Airport, transforming the dining landscape in the summer of 2013.
That said, airlines have a long way to go. As Heather Poole, a long-time flight attendant, who has penned her experiences up in the air in her book, Cruising Attitude, says: "Are you even allowed to use the word 'best' in the same sentence as 'airplane food?'" So I wanted to know from my favourite frequent fliers --those who have crossed continents and been on a red-eye more than they have in their own beds--what their best meal on a plane was in the dire landscape of in-flight dining. Here's are a few of their favourite airlines and what they had to say:
 As social media has become the new source of vacation planning, the myriad of choices can be difficult for the modern traveler when he or she decides where to stay in style. I asked my favourite travel bloggers and writers-- those who have been across continents in search of great value without sacrificing good taste--about their favourite luxury for less destinations and hotels (under $200). Read below for their fabulous finds.
Feature Photo: The Colony Palms Hotel, Palm Springs. Credit: Jen Pollack Bianco
 Amsterdam is one of the most stylish cities in Europe and the design of the hotels in the city are no exception to this high standard. From hotels designed by fashion designers to flower themed rooms, we've rounded up our favourites in three price categories to suit the needs of the discerning traveller to the budget trekker and everyone in between!
LUXURY ($300 +)
Maison Rikant (Pictured)
You can’t get any more stylish than having a guest-house above a boutique designed by famous stylist-turned designer Ulrika Lundgren (who has worked for ELLE Decoration and has fans from Madonna to Helena Christensen). We love the simplicity of the exposed beams and minimalist decor but we also love the modern look of the black and white rooms and interesting decor items like glass bottle lamps.
Amsterdam is beyond its stereotypes. The original bike city, Amsterdam has protected heritage status due to its 165 canals and 1500 bridges crossing 1600 buildings. In July, 2010 the Canal Ring was on the UNESCO World Heritage list. This pretty metropolis is chock full of parks and museums. And the cuisine is beyond french fries with mayo. Here are my picks to sleep, eat, shop and play.
 As spring approaches, so do dreams of Europe. Europe is always best in shoulder season (spring or fall), so I’ve compiled my favourite hotels that are high on style but low on budget as we start planning our spring and summer vacations.
 Pantone Hotel, Brussels
This creative hotel, based on the standardized colour matching system, has each of its seven floors dedicated to a different hue. From pink to blue, the colours serve as accent pieces to white bedding in your room. The pigment theme is further picked up on the rooftop bar where you can have a vibrant drink based on your colour code.
 Nova Scotia can sometimes be left out of the shuffle when we think of romantic locales. But this seaside province in Atlantic Canada captivates quickly. From the wine region of the Annapolis Valley (Wolfville) to the quaint town of Lunenburg to the majestic Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia does not disappoint with its scenic landscapes and welcoming friendliness. And once you go, it's a place that stays with you. Here are my top picks for accommodations around the province from B&Bs, lodges and hotels.
 Deciding where to go on your Caribbean vacation can be a hassle. There are so many islands scattered throughout the Caribbean and each one is vastly different from the other. Cuba’s beaches are decidedly different from the foodie mecca of Case Island in Saint Martin.
There are also other factors: Can you get a direct flight? Does it fit your budget?
Here are my destination picks based on the factors we often use to make our vacation decisions. The best part? All of our recommended destinations are a direct flight away from most Canadian gateways.
 Florida in March can be the busiest time of the year. Teachers, families and students escape to the Sunshine state for an affordable vacation. The irony of it all is that popular destinations like Orlando, Miami and Key West may be racked with line ups, traffic and noise. We did some research for those destinations in Florida where you can still enjoy the beach but not the crowds.
 Weekend getaways were made for fun. But with plane tickets costing on average $400 or more, it can get a wee pricey. Whether you want to splurge or save, I found some great hotel options in urban cities (mainly in the Eastern Seaboard). The best part? Most options are under $200 a night. Some of these picks may even surprise you! Here are my finds so you can explore at day and have a great night's sleep.
 Clarendon Square Inn
Where: Boston, Massachussets
This sleek boutique bed and breakfast is a great find for girlfriends or couples who seek a central base in Boston’s South End. My favourite part about the establishment is the rooftop jacuzzi, which overlooks the city skyline. Deluxe Queen Rooms start from $125 and are outfitted with extras like a marble fireplace or private bamboo garden for meditation. Breakfast is an upscale continental buffet and foodies will love that the inn is close to Restaurant Row, where you can find over 40 of Boston’s popular restaurants.
 Honor and Folly
Where: Detroit, Michigan
Detroit may seem like a surprising destination for this feature but I love that Meghan McEwen, of fun travel site Design Tripper, is changing those perceptions of what we think is a city that is in urban decay and associated with violence or a motor-city. Inspired by the creative places she was writing about, she opened her own stylish two-bedroom B&B in Corktown, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Detroit. The apartments (pictured left) are decorated with furniture and objects by local designers. Above Slows BBQ, it is also a part-time shop, cooking school and multifunctional creative space. They will even stock your fridge for breakfast for an extra charge! Metro Detroit is a shopping mecca with 150 shopping centres, 23 of which are mega malls.
 The Tabard Inn
Where: Washington, DC
Washington is now on Canadian radar as Porter Airlines will launch direct flights to America’s politcal capital in April. The Tabard Inn is on a quiet street close to the commercial centre, Dupont Circle and a few blocks away from the White House. Rooms are quirky --think floral curtains or accoutrements you may see in your Grandmother’s house. The inn’s restaurant satiates the appetite and if you want to stay a while, there’s a fireplace in the lobby.
 Casa Bianca
Where: Montreal, Quebec
This 100 year old home--Montreal’s first Jewish medical clinic--is now an eco-friendly hotel across the street from Parc Mont Royal and on the edge of the lively Plateau neighbourhood. Most rooms are surrounded by stunning architectural details from the French Renaissance era. Eco-conscious efforts include organic breakfasts and all shampoos, linens and cleaning products made from natural or organic ingredients. The great deal is the Saint Laurent Room at $129.
 The Drake Hotel
Where: Toronto, Ontario
It’s no secret that this is one of the best chic for cheap deals in the city. Outfitted as a “hotbed of culture”, this pit stop for your basic hierarchy of needs is so popular that the word on the street is that The Drake is expanding its digs. We’ll have our ear to the ground if there will be more crash pads available on the hotel that is now eight years old. There’s lots to see and do in the vicinty like explore Parkdale and its array of vintage shops and up and coming restaurants like popular Mexican outfit, Grand Electric. Crash pads are under $200 and medium sized rooms start at $220.
 Hotel St. Augustine
Where: Miami, Florida
Hotel St. Augustine is located in the heart of South Beach's SoFi, or South of Fifth Street, District, home of Art Deco architecture and close to the shops of Collins Avenue. For the traveler who wants to be near the action of the South Beach but wants a quiet and peaceful night, this hotel strikes the right balance. The minimalist decor in the rooms have a subtle sophistication. The best part? The shower cabin transforms into a private steam room. Great packages are available as well.
 6 Columbus
Where: New York, New York
Part of the sleek Thompson chain, these rooms never scrimp on style. Beds are outfitted in 400 thread count SFERRA linens and are decorated in a 60s style, with a modern twist, worthy of an editorial spread in Wallpaper Magazine. If your significant other is a guy’s guy (think Don Draper from Mad Men), this is a great fit for your style. Right at Colombus Circle, you are steps away from Central Park and near Museum Mile and Broadway. Pod and Queen Superior rooms price under $300 at certain times.
 Longman & Eagle
Where: Chicago, Illinois
Voted as one of the ‘Best Bars in America’ by Esquire Magazine, you now no longer need to leave this gastropub. They have six rooms upstairs, starting from $75 to $200. Rooms are slightly masculine with the ubiquitous exposed brick walls, hardwood floors and royal blue sheet sets. Its miniamlism is offset by its technology: rooms include a 22 inch HD LCD television with Apple TV (which includes internet radio, Netflix, YouTube and more) and a media player.
 Hotel Le Germain- Dominion
Where: Quebec City, Quebec
Le Germain is one of the nicer boutique chains throughout Canada so it’s one of my top recommendations if you are looking for a whimsical weekend with your significant other in La Belle Provence. Wake up in 100% Egyptian cotton bed linens from the Moka Collection and sleep in before taking a leisurely walk in the heart of the Old Port. You can bring your pooch too at $35 extra per night.
 StayON Beverly
Where: Los Angeles, California
Staying in LA can be expensive so I was thrilled when I found this accommodation for $50 a night in Korea Town located near Hollywood and Beverly Hills. It is labelled as a hostel but is more like an inn; it is mainly a self-serve so if you’re looking for a basic room and can live without the extras of a hotel (like a doorman or concierge), this is the place for you. The great thing about StayON Beverly is that there are private rooms with private bathrooms. Room amenities include a flat screen TV, free wireless Internet access, personal refrigerator, a work desk and complimentary coffee.
 Constantly on a quest to explore the world, Natalie Taylor seeks the good life without spending a fortune. You can catch her regular posts right here on Sympatico.ca Travel’s luxury for less blog. You can also find her on Twitter @nearafar.
 There’s no better time than February to start thinking of romantic vacations. Sometimes we’re looking for the destination to inspire us; other times, we’re looking for that perfect room to set the mood. I picked my favourite hotels in my favourite romantic destinations to help to conjure up that four letter word we need to hear from time to time: love. The best part? All rooms in the hotels listed are under $300 per night!
 Riad Azzar
Where: Marrakesh, Morocco
From the sexy courtyard that makes you feel like you’re living in a palace to the colourful silks that adorn the beds, this riad is one of my top picks for romantic resorts. Dark mahagony furniture, ornate rugs and Moroccan accessories truly make you feel like you are in another world. Of course, you can get lost in the souks while you bargain for all of the Moroccan furniture you'll want to take home with you after being inspired by the gorgeous decor here.
 Hotel Amour
Where: Paris, France
You can’t be in Paris without a little amour and the sultry, sleek design of the rooms here are ideal for a kiss or two or at least maybe partially inspired by the ambience of nearby burlesque clubs like Moulin Rouge? Only an ipod connection is in every room and you can access wireless internet in public areas. Otherwise, it’s just you and your lover. You can set the mood in the ivy covered courtyard complete with white tables and chairs in blue and red. Formidable!
 IQS Rooms
Where: Venice, Italy
It doesn’t get any more romantic than entering a hotel via a gondola. The contemporary rooms of this hotel gem, one part of The Charming House brand, ooze sultriness; it’s no wonder that this is the solace that celebrities seek during the Venice Film Festival.
 The Grand Hotel
Where: Barcelona, Spain
Located steps from the cobblestones and winding alleys in the intriguing Gothic District, The Grand Hotel is the ideal sensual base in this cosmopolitan city. Smaller rooms are in the building corners and offer panoramic views of the city. Eco hotties will appreciate the solar panelled rooftop to reduce energy and the locally sourced menu. The real draw of this hotel is the sexy rooftop complete with pool, sleek loungers and an unparalleled 360 degree view of structures and monuments, old and new.
 Jakes
Where: Treasure Beach, Jamaica
A family business, Jake’s was built on a love affair with Treasure Beach, a tiny fishing village on Jamaica’s south coast. If you want a bohomeian beach vacation with your own little rustic cottage, while lazily drinking Red Stripe by the ocean, this is the ideal getaway. The Ocean Front Deluxe Room and the Calabasah Cottage (with private beach access and your own balcony) are listed under $300.
 Lafayette House
Where: New York, NY
The Queen room in this chandelier-filled NoHo boarding house features a marble fireplace, a deep-soak bathtub and is located in the back of the building. Smoking is allowed in this unit (in 2012!). It also comes in the $300 price range depending on the date booked. The hotel has no signage or lobby. It’s like a secret and New York secrets are the most romantic discoveries.
 The Wickaninnish Inn
Where: Tofino, British Colombia
Perched on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, it doesn’t get any more secluded or romantic than this. There is direct access to Chesterman Beach, and panoramic ocean or beach views from every guest room. It’s no wonder that the Wick Inn is the West Coast’s destination of choice for over 150 weddings yearly. If you look for specials, you can get a room for under $300 per night. As of February, 2012 there is a special for $220 per night.
 Moreno Hotel
Where: Buenos Aires, Argentina
The rooms at the Moreno will definitely rekindle any sensuality you were missing in your relationship. Dark mahogany panelling and deep red accents complement the plush, Egyptian cotton duvets on the king sized beds in each of the 39 en-suite bedrooms. There are also celebration packages which include flowers in the room, a bottle of sparkling wine, and jacuzzi access among other features. That said, you only need to walk outside to feel the sensual vibe of this seductive city with many milongas around to tango to your heart's content.
 Sumahan on the water
Where: Istanbul, Turkey
The simplicity and sophistication of the deluxe rooms and junior suites in this former distillery are undermined by the magnificent views of the Bosphorus river. With floor to ceiling vistas and fireplaces in each room, it is going to be difficult to leave your significant other’s side here. If you do manage to leave the hotel, you will find yourself in Çengelköy, a Bosphorous neighbourhood full of wooden houses, seafood restaurants and seaside promenades.
 Sir Francis Drake Hotel
Where: San Francisco
Regal boudoirs with a modern twist are the name of the game at this Kimpton outlet in Union Square. Downtstairs, the lush and recently renovated Harry Denton’s Starlight Room is one romantic option if you are looking to propose. There is a panoramic view of San Francisco’s landmarks from Telegraph Hill to the Bay Bridge. And of course, just outside is a cable car waiting for you to see it all with your nearest and dearest.
 Constantly on a quest to explore the world, Natalie Taylor seeks the good life without spending a fortune. You can catch her regular posts right here on Sympatico.ca Travel’s luxury for less blog. You can also find her on Twitter @nearafar.
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