Five Frivolities: September 17
A poll of people's favorite hotels, hotels in Vienna, the Oetker Collection, bucket list hotel rooms, and the case for maintaining your inner child.
A poll of people’s favorite hotels
I asked my followers on Instagram to share their favorite hotels. As a Hotel Human above most things, I’m always curious where people stay. Share yours below, if you’d like! From a range of good people with good taste, here are the favorite hotels:
Titilaka, Lake Titicaca, Peru
Verana, Yelapa, Mexico
Dar Ahlam, desert of Morocco
The Swag, North Carolina, USA
Il Pellicano, Tuscany Coast, Italy
Belmond Caruso, Ravello, Italy
Azulik, Tulum, Mexico
Canaves Oia, Santorini Greece
Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California
AdAstra, Florence, Italy
The Beaumont, London, UK
Beverly Hills Hotel, Los Angeles, California
St Regis Florence, Florence, Italy
Monastero di Cortona, Cortona, Tuscany, Italy
Four Seasons Firenze, Florence, Italy
Amanbagh, Jaipur, India
Aman-i-khas, Rajasthan, India
Aman Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
The case for maintaining your inner child
When we’re a little kid, all we want to be is a big kid. Then, a teenager. Then, in college. Then, living on our own. Then, have kids and a family of your own. But, I genuinely believe the key to enjoying all of these life stages is keeping your inner child intact.
Swing on the swings at a park where there are no children.
Go to an amusement park.
Eat cotton candy, whenever offered.
Make holiday traditions.
Always have something to look forward to, mostly.
This means staying curious. You can never ask “why” too many times. This means letting yourself be impressed. It’s no fun to be hard to impress. This means having fun doing mundane things. Make a wish blowing on a dandelion, you know? This means embracing the ability to dress up. Special moments are only special when you deem them to be.
Even if your own childhood wasn’t great, there’s a you inside you that wish it were. That kid is who you keep in touch with. The goal, above all is to maintain a sense of ever-present optimism. Believe your 11:11 wish will come true. Trust that it might actually snow on Christmas Day. Relish the indulgence of eating chocolate in bed, who cares if you get a stain.
Spotlight on the Oetker Collection
The Germany-based Oetker Collection are considered one of the best luxury hotel groups worldwide - especially for service. They’re known for their attention to detail and making guests feel especially special. As a Fora travel agent, they’re a preferred partner, and I’m able to get my clients complimentary breakfast, guaranteed booking in the best room in the category, priority access to the courtesy car at properties where that’s applicable, $100 food/beverage/spa credit for stays under 2 nights, or $200 for stays of 2 nights and more.
Let’s look at their collection, shall we?
The newly reopened this summer, Hotel La Palma in Capri.
Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, Baden-Baden, Germany - this has been on my bucket list for yeaaaars.
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Antibes, South of France - the iconic hotel that’s more sought after than ever after Sofia Richie’s wedding there this spring.
The Woodward, Geneva, Switzerland - stunning views of Lake Geneva.
The Lanesborough, London, UK - considered the most expensive hotel in London today, after a massive renovation and interiors that are straight out of Bridgerton.
Jumby Bay Island, Antigua, West Indies - A private island with ultimate discretion for the sun-chasers of the world.
L’Apogee Courchevel, Courchevel, French Alps - Widely considered one of the finest hotels in the French Alps.
Palacio Tangará, Sao Paolo, Brazil - An oasis within the sprawling city.
Le Bristol, Paris, France - Consistently one of the coolest hotels in Paris, and one of the handful of “palace hotels.”
Chateau Saint-Martin, Vence, South of France - A dreamy oasis just far enough from the crowds, with an impeccable art collection.
Eden Rock, Saint Barths - In my opinion, one of coolest hotels on the ever-cool island my dad lived on part-time for decades.
Opening in 2024: The Vineta Hotel, Palm Beach, Florida, USA — excited about this!
Vienna for Christmas markets
I’ve always wanted to go to Vienna in the winter, for the Christmas markets and to go to the opera. Perhaps, you too? If so, here’s where I’d stay in Vienna.
Hotel Sacher Vienna (my top choice!), Hotel Sans Souci Wien, Rosewood Vienna, Hotel Motto, and a cool ultra-budget option, Max Brown 7th District.
Bucket list hotel rooms
I have looots of bucket list hotels. But I have less specific bucket list hotel rooms. I’ve shared a few before, but I’m going to start sharing the rest, 3 rooms at a time, once a month. This week:
The Medici Suite at La Posta Vecchia on the coast of Lazio in Italy
The Pacific Suite at Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, California
The Imperial Suite at The Ritz, Paris (this is my #1 bucket list room, and also the least realistic of ever happening)
See you on Wednesday? Thank you for being here!
xx Your Penpal,
Marissa
I dig the Azulik Hotel. Best Thai restaurant too!