Hotel Praktik Metropol

Less is luxe. So say the proprietors of the Hotel Praktik Metropol. Not less in style but less in tariffs. A well priced design hotel in central Madrid on the Gran Via. Remodelling and decoration by Lázaro Rosa-Violán and his Contemporain Studio team. The look is young and fresh, casual chic with everything for the traveller who wants to make the most of their time and their money. When adventure waits on the streets outside, when the guide book leads you from must see site to must see site, when your hotel is your base for experience and not the experience itself then the warm wood floors, white walls and thousands of design details will suit just fine.

  

  

La Bergerie de Nano

I'd like to introduce you to a unique bed & breakfast, that happens to be a renovated 18th century sheepfold located in the heart of Provence. The rustic beauty of La Bergerie de Nano is breathtaking. I don't really understand where the idea for the kitchen came from but I adore the rest of this stunning piece of history. 

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A jewel of a hotel

Check out this fabulous Pasadena hotel designed by Southern California interior designer Julie Khuu. I adore the jewel tones, and I love the idea of staying in a hotel whose decor is super glamourous and almost over-the-top - because I love the idea of spending time in a hotel that is on the opposite ends of the spectrum of home. (Anyone feel me here?) I'll let you read the details on Julie's blog and I'll provide you with the eye candy. :)

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Vegas Market - part 1

Happy Friday everyone! I am back from Vegas, having attending the Vegas Market for the first time and holy smokes did I see some fantastic stuff! I had a great time so a huge thanks to Traditional Home magazine for sending me. I also got a rare opportunity to meet a bunch of fellow bloggers including Jill, Cassandra, Victoria, Naomi and Kelly. To let you in on what I was up to this week in Vegas, I thought I'd start by showing you a peek at the lovely hotel we stayed in, and my favourite showroom at Market. 

We were booked at the Aria hotel, which is relatively new on the strip. I brought my mom with me (she needed a holiday desperately) and we both really enjoyed the room - the beds were heavenly, and it was very tough call to climb out of bed each morning. Lots of great restaurants (Julian Serrano's tapas restaurant was YUMMY) and shopping too. 

P.S. I have to mention this because I am so shocked. My mom flew home to Ottawa from Vegas with Delta airlines (I flew with AA). She missed her connecting flight in Detroit because the Vegas fight was delayed by about 2 hours. With more cancellations and a whole bunch of dumb excuses later, she finally got home - nearly 24 hours later. So just a tip for anyone traveling around the States - DO NOT fly Delta. And their heartless staff didn't give a shit that almost 500 people ended up stranded - not for weather reasons but because of pilots not showing up and other ridiculous reasons). 

 

On Tuesday after all of us bloggers had finished a tour and "treasure hunt" at the Market, we were invited for cocktails at the Four Hands showroom. This showroom became by far my favourite of the entire event. Their aesthetic is so up my alley - lots of pieces created from reclaimed wood and furniture made from metal creating a very industrial look. YESSSS!!!!! I had my margarita in one hand and my camera in the other, and did a quick tour around. Fabulousness at every turn. (I must add that there were such beautiful groupings of wild flowers everywhere that just made the displays perfect - one photo below shows flowers tucked into rolled magazine pages. Cute!)

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Still spot

I'm lost in the London listings on onefinestay. "A fresh alternative to a hotel for a short stays, live like a local without compromising on service and comfort." May be a slogan but it seems to be true. Look at this oasis in the bustling city. Love the grey walls (the listing says duck egg blue but my monitor is definitely reading more grey ... I'm fantasising about that blue though), the pared back furnishings, a scattering of vintage and the historic details. Simplicity and style. So refreshing. Excuse me while I pop over to Beresford Terrace for a few days stay. I really need to straighten that sofa cushion ;)<

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