The Curation: Volume 19
The Curation: Volume 19
The Central America hotel list, a spotlight on Australia, why service isn't everything in Italy, family-friendly hotels in France, the coolest hotel group, MDW hotel availability, and more!
Wo(man), I really love writing this for all of you. This week’s Curation kept growing, because almost always, more is more. Why not? It’s fun. I start with a little note on service at hotels in Italy and ways to shift your perspective, so you’re never let down during your precious PTO. Then, we have The Central America Hotel List, covering Costa Rica, Panama, Belize, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. Many of the hotels on this list were the impetus for this Substack – I needed a place to share the gems I don’t want to potentially go viral. Then, we virtually check-in to three family-friendly special hotels in France. Quickly, we’re sidetracked from hospitality towards books – what I’ve been reading and the titles I’m anticipating. We get back on track with a spotlight on three hotels in Australia, including one new, very cool New South Wales opening. Next, an edit of hotels with availability for Memorial Day Weekend in California and New England. Getting towards the end, I share one of my favorite hotel groups and my thoughts on each of their properties before closing with some link love. Yay!
Service Isn’t Everything to Me
I was recently chatting with Michelle González, aka LaxToLuxury, about Italian hotels and the central reality that it’s not about the service, it’s about the place, the ambiance, the way it makes you feel.
I’ve never cared much about lackluster service or a mishap or many. I realize this is likely because I’ve spent so much time at Italian hotels. You may have to order your espresso twice, or wonder if they forgot your luggage, or feel the need to tell them “there’s a more efficient way to do this!” but that’s not what Italian culture is about. Il dolce far niente, the sweetness of doing nothing, is at the core of the country’s pace. They’re always trying to please, there’s just no fire lit under their tush.
I put together five perspective shifts to fully appreciate the wonders of Italian hotels, without being (overly) disappointed by a 20-minute coffee wait.
Time is the most valuable asset. Instead thinking “I don’t want to waste any second waiting,” it’s lovely learning to appreciate the beauty of simply existing and experiencing every moment, even when nothing is “happening.”
It’s not all about the big things. Yes, sure, everyone needs to see the Colosseum and the statue of David. Yes, I know (if you’re American) your vacation time is highly limited. But, when you think back on past trips you deemed great, your memories are likely tied to the in-betweens. Maybe even the mishaps. When you make room for noticing the little things you care less about the clock.
Go pro in the sport of observation. If I had to choose, my favorite Italian past time is people watching. That’s why I love a piazza so much. People out to play, on display in a way - simply living their lives. How cool? Who are they, where are they from, are they happy, what did they have for breakfast, where are their shoes from? Instead of simply waiting for that espresso you asked for 20 minutes ago, use the time as a stage for the thrilling opera of humanhood.
“What if there are no people around?” is probably your question to number three. Treat your surroundings as you would someone with a heartbeat. How did this get here? What is that sound? What is the history that got me here today? Curiosity is your best companion and Italy is abound with interesting intricacy.
Lastly, remind yourself that you are a visitor to their culture. The people serving you are not from where you’re from, most likely. Know that often, Italians also wish they’d pick up the pace. But, their cultural norms are not the same. “Arrivo subito” means the order is in, they’ll bring it to you when they can. They’re in less of a hurry. Yes, I know you are paying for this hypothetical caffeine (or whatever it is), but there’s no need for your cultural speed to impede your potential experience of Italian uppercase Special.
Ok, basta. I could go on for ten more bullet points (thank you art history major for teaching me how to write a lot about nothing!) but I think you get the gist. No need to be the hypothetical driver who cuts in front of you just to get stuck at the same light. Enjoy the ride, it’s a good one.
The Central America Hotel List
Today is a test drive of a new way of doing Hotel Lists when they’re on the leaner side. A tighter edit, a photo for each hotel, the location for each. A note for my favorites. Less hotels, a bit more context.
Today, we’re in Central America. A part of Planet Earth often overlooked.
As a Californian, I have immense respect for people from Central American countries. They make up a large part of the backbone of this state, doing work many don’t want to do that needs to be done. I respect their work ethic, kindness, and love for their home countries.
Costa Rica is, by far, the most touristed in the region. The amount of “good” hotels lies in direct correlation. Beach or jungle, sunbathers or adventurers, the pura vida lifestyle attracts a wide audience.
Panama’s unique landscape and verdant great hotels are overshadowed by a canal and a type of hat. I’m quite obsessed, and am currently planning a trip to Panama and Belize for late-Fall.
Belize is simply cool, and a country with great value. When the Coppola family has invested heavily into hospitality in the country, it’s my kind of place. The history of Guatemala is under-known and so rich. Its natural beauty has called to me for years. It has great hotels, too.
While less rich in hotel gems, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Honduras should not be overlooked, especially for surfers, divers and overall adventurers.
Wherever you go in this part of the world, now you know where to stay. As always, special hotels only. All price ranges (although the vast majority of these are affordable!). All types of trips and travelers. My personal top choices are marked with an asterisk.
12 hotels in Costa Rica. 8 in Panama. 11 in Belize. 11 in Guatemala. 3 in Honduras. 5 in Nicaragua. 3 in El Salvador. A tight edit, intentionally