Five Frivolities: August 20
UK affordable luxury hotels, the hotel with the best view in San Francisco, a minimalist hotel in Mexico, my unreasonable birthday wish list, and a new Italian-inspired hotel in Ibiza.
1. UK countryside affordable luxury hotels
Ok, I could list so many. But, I’m going to limit it to three. All fun, a bit quirky in the best British way, and also local gathering places.
First, Margate House in Kent. Sea views! Cute rooms! Color! Yes.
Next, Updown Farmhouse, also in Kent. Quaint. Cool. Colorful. Idyllic, honestly. And the restaurant looks fab.
Lastly, Glebe House, in Devon. I don’t always like to play favorites, but this is my favorite of the three. Filled with curios, curated to perfection, and I like everrryyy single room equally. Rare!
2. The best hotel views in San Francisco
The only hotel I staycation at is a Four Seasons. You’re as shocked as me. But, for me, it’s all about the views. Taking up the top floors of a high rise right off the Embarcadero, rooms have sweeping (and I mean SWEEEPING) views of the bay, Golden Gate bridge, Transamerica Pyramid, Coit Tower, the Palace of Fine Arts, the Bay Bridge and even, my beloved Mt Tam(alpais) that I grew up on. The Four Seasons Embarcadero is most definitely my top choice for a hotel in San Francisco, if you’re going for views. I stayed last night, the bed was great as all FS beds are, the views impeccable, and the room service french toast with marscapone divine. And yes, client of mine receive VIP treatment because my agency, FORA, is a preferred Four Seasons partner.
3. A new Italian inspired hotel in Ibiza
People ask me for affordable luxury in Ibiza all the time. Finally, I have a new hotel that I would love to stay at myself, or book clients at. Enter Hotel Mongibello, a big hotel with small details that really do it for me. And yes, the name is inspired by The Talented Mr. Ripley. Rates from about 250 eur/night!
4. My birthday list, for everyone not wondering
You’re either a birthday person or you’re not, and I’m firmly the former. Maybe it’s the only child syndrome, maybe it’s a million other things, but it’s just a fact. It’s coming right up, September 1, so I thought I’d share my birthday list since my grandma passed away 13 years ago and she was the only person who ever asked for one. But also, no one asked me for a Substack, and here we are.
Gun control in America. Full stop.
This olive necklace from Notte. Olives are my favorite food and honestly that’s a bit of a personality trait.
The classic Elsa Peretti Tiffany cuff, if I didn’t prefer to spend my money on hotels.
This Rosie Assoulin skirt, if it weren’t out of stock everywhere.
A Cabana Magazine subscription. The best inspiration.
This Christopher Esber dress, if it weren’t absurdly expensive.
A Belmond collaboration - I say no to all collabs, but this is my dream partnership.
A mini AC unit that doesn’t require big time installation, because although I live in San Francisco, late-August and September are hot, especially in an attic apartment from the early 1900s. Please send any recs my way.
Ok that’s it, but mostly #1.
5. A Mexico hotel that’s not my style but might be yours
I’m not a minimalist, that much is clear. But, many of you are, that I know. So, I thought I’d start to share hotels that aren’t my cup of tea, but could be great contenders for your new favorite hotel. Today, we’re going to Casa TO in Puerto Escondido. For what it’s worth, I wouldn’t be sharing this if I didn’t like it. It’s just not my personal top choice for my personal hotel preferences.
What you may have missed in Wednesday’s paid edition: 3 affordable luxury hotels under $500, my Amsterdam hotel list, a Le Sireneuse hotel clothes collab, inspiration for a Bhutan honeymoon, current Relais & Chateau hotels I love, my list of bucket list travel experiences, the list of hotel groups I have affiliations with and am able to get VIP amenities at for my clients, a hotel in Croatia that I love (!!!!), hotels that share the same old world traditional aesthetic, hotels to visit for Fall Foliage, and the first installment of a new series where I share bucket list rental properties.
Ciao for now, and as always, thank you for being here!
x Your Penpal,
Marissa