Smag31

Two of Madrid’s most lively barrios lie just off the Gran Vía. Chueca was originally home to the city’s blacksmiths and tile makers. Run down for many years, it has enjoyed a renaissance after being adopted by Madrid’s gay community – the area puts on its glad rags every summer for the Gay Pride celebrations. … Read more

In Kunshan, Yangcheng Lake, we went to the hotel that is built and owned by government in the large lake area. State hotel always has best location. We came there nearly in the end of the hairy crab season, a specialty in the lake, which is appreciated highly that no boats except for primitive boats … Read more

From flowed energy of modern Shanghai to the pleasingattraction of ancient Suzhou, China is a timeless journey. Damn it! I mean the dam or rather the levee along the Huangpu is the place for tourists to visit in Shanghai. Fortunately for me, I was in Bund when they came at sunrise, enjoyed the hospitality of the imposing Lady. Cathay … Read more

Sunlight glistened on the crisp, white snow and fluffy clouds raced across the blue sky. What a superb final day for my three-day cross-country skiing trip, I thought, as I looked out of the hotel window that morning. But Mother Nature had other plans. As we – myself and two Italian women – set off … Read more

Stylish Stays W Chicago Lakeshore A Zen water wall and “Leave me alone”, rather than “Do not disturb” signs are indications of the W’s hipper take on the hotel experience. The modern guest rooms have lovely views, as does the rooftop lounge, Whiskey Sky. 644 N. Lake Shore Dr 312943 9200 www.whotels.com Wheeler Mansion An … Read more

Luxury Hotels Unless otherwise stated, all hotels accept credit cards, have private bathrooms, air con, non-smoking rooms, and rooms with DA Ritz-Carlton The Ritz has it all – superior service, an award-winning dining room, spa, and state-of-the-art-business facilities. Impressive views complement the classic furnishings and fine art in its spacious guest rooms, but it’s the … Read more

With its gentle moraine mills and rugged mountains created during the Ice Age, peaceful moor lakes and rapid mountain streams, and picturesque towns and villages, the sub-Alpine region of Upper Bavaria is full of natural beauty. This is especially true of Tölzer Land and the Chiemgau, both of which are true havens for holiday-makers. For … Read more

Pfaffenwinkel is a classic alpine foothill region. Gently sloping hills and verdant pastures alternate with forests, fens, and small lakes. Geographically, the region is bounded by the Lech, Ammer, and Loisach rivers, and by the southern end of Ammersee and Starnberger See, reaching all the way to the Ammergauer mountains. It is known for its … Read more

Budget Hotels & Hostels Find the best deals by calling the hotel’s main toll-free reservation number. King’s Inn The inn includes free parking with your nightly rate, and local and toll-free calls are gratis. Suites come with coffee maker, microwave, and a refrigerator. There’s also a coin-op laundry on the premises. 2106 5th Ave 206 … Read more

Neighborhood Hotels Be sure to check your hotel’s cancellation policy. Some require 14 days advance notice if you change your mind. Ace This hotel, situated in a historic building, appeals to guests who prefer location over luxury. There are few amenities, instead the emphasis is on ultra-modern decor. Pike Place Market and the surrounding retail … Read more

Hip Drinking Spots Gràcia Nightlife, Plaça del Sol Mirasol Possibly Gràcia’s most classic bar, the atmospheric Mirasol has been a bohemian hang-out for decades. In summer, there’s outdoor seating on the plaça. Pl del Sol 3 Closed Sun DA Mirasol Universal Café Open until 5:30am, Universal Café is a late-night, two-level bar with a spacious, … Read more

Gràcia Until the end of the 19th century, Gràcia was a fiercely proud independent city. Despite locals’ protests, it became part of Barcelona proper in 1898, but has always maintained a sense of separatism and has been a hotbed of political activity. It is now home to a booming cottage industry nurtured by a growing … Read more

The Zona Alta (Uptown) is an area covering several neighbourhoods that, as the name suggests, are in the hilly part of the city. From the moneyed streets of Pedralbes and Tibidabo to bohemian Gràcia, this entire northern area of the city offers stunning views and regal attractions. But what really sets this area apart from … Read more

Inexpensive Hotels Unless otherwise stated, all hotels accept credit cards and have private bathrooms and air conditioning Casa Loma Inn This stately home dating to 1894 is now a charming inn. Each of the 23 rooms – and all are unique – have a fridge, microwave, and coffee-maker. Some rooms have fireplaces. There is no … Read more

Shopping Tips The Colonnade, Bloor Street West Store Hours Most shops are open 10am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday (often later on Thursday). Department stores and shops in malls and commercial districts may keep longer hours, from 10am to 9pm, Monday to Saturday, and from noon to 5pm on Sunday. Widely observed retail holidays are … Read more

Pubs and Cafés Beach Blanket Babylon Famous for its wildly gothic interior, this bar serves coffee and snacks during the day, and becomes a swanky cocktail lounge in the evenings. A good place to mingle with the fashionable Notting Hill crowd. 45 Ledbury Road W11 Churchill Arms Filled with intriguing bric-à-brac and Churchill memorabilia, this … Read more

Kensington on Foot Morning Start at South Kensington Underground station, and follow the signs to the Victoria & Albert Museum . Spend a delightful hour in the new British Galleries and see the recreated period rooms. Follow Old Brompton Road to the Brompton Oratory , where you should take a look at its sumptuous Italianate … Read more

This is where London’s gentry live. Nannies push prams around Kensington Gardens, uniformed school children line up in Hans Crescent and the social “in-crowd” gossip in the Fifth-Floor Café at Harvey Nichols. Whatever time of year, nobody is without a tan. Harrods is the light beacon of the area; the solid rocks are the great … Read more

A Day in Prenzlauer Berg Morning Set off from U-Bahn station Senefelderplatz – one of the lively spots in Prenzlauer Berg. From here, explore the old tenement blocks and backyards. Now continue in a westerly direction along Fehrbelliner Straße to Zionskirchplatz with its eponymous church. There are numerous cafés on the square, such as Kapelle, … Read more

Berlin’s Prenzlauer Berg district attracts locals and tourists like virtually no other part of town because it has undergone the most dramatic changes in recent years. Today, the old tenement blocks in the former workers’ district of East Berlin have been taken over by cafés, pubs and restaurants, and the nightlife is exciting and vibrant. … Read more