Where to stay in Chicago

I LOVE Chicago.


So you want to go to Chicago-- and you are looking for somewhere to stay. Hotel rates are on the higher end of the spectrum-- especially for the lux minded traveler.  The week I went most every hotel was booked-- which turned out to benefit me in the end.  I do like staying at nice hotels-- but I have become sort of a creature seeking the comforts of home on my vacations.  This is how vacation rentals have become my staple.  While browsing spaces in Chicago-- I came across rentals by Jerome Martinez.  His spaces fit my aesthetic perfectly, so I inquired on a few.  Luckily one was available and I was set.

The condo was chic with a modern metropolitan vibe.  It was centrally located and there were nearby restaurants on every corner.

Next time you are in Chicago email Jerome for all your rental needs. jerome@jcondohotels.com

 

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Sprinkles Cupcakes Dallas Texas

Sprinkles Cupcakes
4020 Villanova Drive
Plaza at Preston Center
214.369.0004
http://www.sprinkles.com

Are they good?  Yes, they are~

Flavors to try:
Coconut
*Dark Chocolate
Key Lime
Strawberry
Peanut Butter
Red Velvet

*(you will love this if you are a chocolate fan)

Toulouse Café and Bar | Dallas, Texas

Toulouse Café and Bar 
3314 Knox Street (Next to the Katy Trail)
Dallas, Texas 75205
Phone: (214) 520-8999
http://www.toulousecafeandbar.com

I was in Dallas-- I was hungry and I was lost.  My original plan was just to stop in at La Madeline, even though I am not a chain fan.  The one that I was near looked like a ghost town-- so I kept moving.  Next up was Javier's-- looked closed too-- kept driving.  That's when I saw her-- ohhh I saw her, she walked in through the out door.  Ok, I am sidetracking-- but that is really when I saw Toulouse.  The place was bustling from the inside out -- U turn, were there.  Toulouse definitely tipped toward the trendy side, so I was a tinge worried about the food.  The plates steadily streaming from the kitchen did look good, maybe this place is ok.  No, really it was better than ok.  The waitstaff was more courteous than in really any dining establishment I have been to. I mean they were just plain nice and took punctual, polished and somewhat lavish care of us.  Service with a smile was not the only high point of this hip french cafe-- there was food.  The food was wonderful.  It was simple, fresh, and scrumptious.  Velvety lobster bisque, drizzled with goat cheese then topped with fresh herbs, crusty buttered bread, crab Florentine with layers of decadence, and a rustic salmon Caesar to order again.  Will I come back here, Yes-- over and over.

McConnells Ice Cream Santa Barbara California

McConnell's Ice Cream of Santa Barbara
201 W Mission St
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
(805) 569 2323
www.mcconnellsonmission.com

McConnell's Ice Cream in Santa Barbara make all their frozen treats homemade, and locally.  All of their ice cream is all natural and free of any processed or synthetic fillers. If you have the hankering for some old fashioned cold sweets, stop in and get a cone.  If you get a Sunday you may want to split it because it's huge! McConnell's was also featured on the Food Network for one of Giada's weekend getaways.

Crossing Condotti Rome Italy

Crossing Condotti

Via Mario de' Fiori 28, 187 Rome, Italy

+39 0669920633
http://www.crossingcondotti.com/

On our trip to Rome we stayed at Crossing Condotti and loved it. It was centrally located, with tons of eateries right down any given street nearby. If you are in Rome for site seeing, like we were, this is the perfect place. It is not a typical hotel in that it has no restaurant, or spa but who needs that when everything is so close. I really don't think we could have picked anywhere that was better for our time in Rome. All the staff was super nice. One caveat-- there are no irons allowed in rooms in Italy-- I hung my clothes in the bathroom while showering and it seemed to take most of the wrinkles out :)

They do have Wifi and a little fridge with beverages.

*Eat Spaghetti Carbonara in Roma

La Minerva Capri Italy Great Small Hotel

 

La Minerva 

Via Occhio Marino 8, 80073 Capri, Island of Capri, Italy

www.laminervacapri.com/

 

We stayed at Lam Minerva on our trip to Capri Italy. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. In particular we especially liked Kamal. He was always ready to help us - with a smile. The rooms were beautifully done warm not overly fussy way. The whole hotel was laid back and extremely comfortable. I loved the modern pool with a view of the ocean. I would recommend La Minerva to anyone planning a trip to Capri. Don't forget to eat the Gelato from all the Gelatorias :)