The Curation: Volume 25
The Chile Hotel List, in residence with Elle McPherson-Yoon, an old-world affordable luxury hotel in Lisbon, a labyrinth in Emilia-Romagna with two suites, and link loves.
Happy Hoteler In Residece: Elle McPherson-Yoon
This is a real treat. In my brand strategy work, I’ve always preached the importance of taking inspiration from your audience. As a writer, I’ve taken my advice, and in turn have found a world of Good People with Good Taste. I’m so incredibly grateful for you, the readers – Happy Hotelers, which is what we will call you from now on. I want to learn from you too, and share it with the group.
Thus, this is the first installment of having a Happy Hoteler In Residence. I’ve had this idea for a while, and I knew the staunchly cool, entirely interesting Elle McPherson-Yoon had to be the first fellow face you meet. She has an amazing sense of personal style. She travels frequently, always in a HH-approved manner. She lives the type of life in London that tempts me loudly, across the pond. She’s kind, too. The epitome of a Good Person with Good Taste. I’m so grateful took the time to be with us today. It’s a true treat.
Today, she shares her London (so many amazing recs), and we talk travel and obviously, hotels.
By this quintet of photos, you’ll see that you simply must follow Elle on Instagram.
Elle, please introduce yourself to the Happy Hotelers.
Can I start by embarrassing you with compliments? You are my first source for travel recommendations, every time; I love your style, writing, and unique point of view!
Following an education and early career in Art History and Decorative Arts which took me to London, New York and Toronto, I've settled in London where I now devote my time to the Arts and Culture sectors an enjoy proximity to some amazing travel destinations.
I’m so honored, thank you thank you thank you. I love your style! And I’m envious of your London life. If you could live anywhere in London, what neighborhood would you choose?
Marylebone - My work is based there, so I'm biased! Marylebone is a beautiful neighbourhood which benefits from access to arts, culture, great shopping and restaurants, and close proximity to Regent's Park.
What are favorite places in Marylebone?
I would go to Hagen for a coconut matcha, La Fromagerie for lunch and to stock up on snacks, shop at Daunt Books, Rixo, and The French Pharmacy. Then, visit the Wallace Collection and have dinner at Defune, before a night cap at Chiltern Firehouse, where I would stay.
You’re in the thick of London culture. Where are your absolute favorite places to go to get inspired?
I have always loved the Victoria and Albert Museum who curate jaw dropping blockbuster exhibitions time and again (currently, Naomi: in Fashion) in addition to inspiring permanent collections. Their jewellery galleries are not to be missed!
Sale viewings at major auctions houses like Christie's and Sotheby's are often open to the public and offer intimate access to fine and decorative art collections.
I love to book a last minute single ticket to the opera or ballet at the Royal Opera House. Tip: The Dorfman Conservatory is the perfect place for a pre-show martini and finger sandwich.
And I'm very fortunate to be able to take advantage of free lunchtime concerts at the Royal Academy of Music (open to the public)!
Parks are such a lovely aspect of London, and allow for the glorious art of people watching. Do you have any "hidden" favorites?
Chelsea Physic Garden was founded in 1673 for the study of medicinal plants, botany, and plant exchange, and today it is an independent charity and one of my favourite escapes in London.
If it were someone's first time to London, and they were a bona fide Good Person with Good Taste, what are your top recs that you'd suggest putting at the top of the list?
Restaurants: The Audley Pub, Mount Street Restaurant, Chisou
Drinks: The Connaught bar, followed by pizza at Delfino, just across the street
Stores: Fiona Finds, Laurence Coste, Anya Hindmarch Village (so fun!)
Cultural Stops: The Parent Trap (1998) filming locations of Egerton Terrace, The Royal Arcade, and Mount Street Gardens.
Of course, I have to ask, do you have a favorite London hotel (or two or three)? Either that you've stayed at, or hope to one day!
Claridge’s is one of the most spoiling stays I've experienced. I think you've mentioned the slippers in a post? Unmatched.
The Lime Tree is a lovely, cozy, option.
And while it's located in the UK rather than London, I'll always have a place in my heart for The Fife Arms, where I hosted my wedding.
UNMATCHED! Well, tied with Ritz Paris. Which leads me to the question - do you have a favorite hotel?
So difficult to choose a favourite, but would have to say Fogo Island Inn, in Newfoundland, has been my most special, memorable hotel stay! As a Canadian, I have to go with that, right?
I know we share similar sensibilities in what we look for in travel experiences, is there one trip, hotel, travel moment that sticks out as being especially fond?
My Mom and I stayed at Blackberry Farm and when I tell you no detail is overlooked...
We were staying in a cabin and requested assistance with the fireplace, one evening. The next evening, at exactly the same time, they checked in to ask if we would like a fire!
I will also never forget their pimento cheese.
Where are your favorite weekend escapes, outside the city?
While technically in the city, Hampstead Heath often feels like an escape and The Spaniards Inn feels like a country pub.
Further afield, Hauser and Worth Gallery in Somerset is a great destination, with proximity to beautiful hotels, and I'd really like to visit Charleston House Museum in Lewes.
What hotels, anywhere in the world, are at the top of your bucket list?
Sticking with a city theme... I've yet to stay at The Ritz Paris or The Carlyle in New York! Those are at the top of my bucket list right now.
Lastly, because I know so many readers are heading to London this summer, are there any warm-weather events that we should have on our radar? Concert series, outdoor cinema, etc?
There really is nothing like London in the Summer, when the weather cooperates. Here's my dream Summer checklist:
Swimming in the Hampstead Heath Ponds or Parliament Hill Lido.
Tennis in Battersea Park.
The Glyndebourne Festival Opera.
Dinner al fresco at River Café.
Dreamy!! Thank you SO much, Elle. This was incredible and so useful.
Thank you! I'm thrilled to be a part of the Happy Hoteling world.
P.S. This seems like an appropriate time to mention that Beaverbrook, a wonderful luxury hotel in the Surrey Hills, has their striped hot air balloons up for dining again this summer. I want to go!
An Addition to the Lisbon Hotel List
One of my favorite lists was Portugal. So many great hotels. I was bound to miss one (many, likely), and today I’m filling you in on a new hotel crush in Lisbon, As Janelas Verdes Inn. It’s old-school and endearing. But also, affordable. Rates start about €220/night, even in the summer. A great choice for those wanting more classic Portuguese than cool kid on the block.
Nice’s Nicest New Hotel
While I first shared about it on here and TikTok months ago in anticipation of its opening, Hotel du Couvent is officially the coolest hotel in Nice, France. Recently opened to much industry and in-the-know fanfare, from everything I’ve seen - it’s a yes from me. Perhaps slightly devoid of color, but it was a convent. The details are lovely – seemingly intentional and thoughtful. It’s definitely more a city stay than a beach boudoir, but that’s ideal for me as I would only stay in Nice in warm weather to be in close proximity to both the hill towns and the sea, personally.
Also, cringe away at the headline – my favorite postcard in the world says “Nice is Nice.”
Link Scouting
Much to my delight, people seem to be liking the links. I started a broadcast channel on Instagram dedicated solely to this. It’s called The Good Good, and this is your formal invitation to join.
But, I do have some gems to find with everyone here today.
First up, novelty for the summer in the form of this impossibly cool and unserious wicker alligator bag (the shape, not the skin), these vintage pearl pea (yes, the legume) earrings, this take on a lobster bib (that I really want), and this Pringle purse on major sale.
Next, summer dresses. This perfect red and white striped number, or perhaps this Ulla Johnson timeless white piece on sale.
In the accessories department (beyond the novelty), these timeless tortoiseshell glasses on sale, this Pucci pareo that never goes on sale (but is), and this lovely variation of jellies.
The Chile Hotel List
Recently, a reader reached out about hotels in Chile. It’s one of many lists I’ve been working on, but this prompted a move to the top. (Please do use this as encouragement to put your requests in the comments!)
It’s a country that fascinates me. Fantastic wine, immeasurable beauty, world-class surfing, sea and lakes aplenty, and of course, the Andes. I’ve only spent a single day in the country in my 32 years, and now I’m fully equipped to change that. You’re all set, too. The 39 most special hotels in Chile, of all varieties and price points. As always, my personal top preferences are marked with an asterisk.
As a reminder, all the hotel lists live forever, for paid subscribers, in the archive. Eventually, it will encompass the globe. We’ve already made a solid dent. As an ever-present reminder, I have never and will never be paid to include a hotel on any of these lists. That’s the joy of Substack. I don’t have to please publishers or advertisers.
In this list, each hotel has a descriptor, to share my rationale for inclusion. I’ve been liking this for for the leaner curations – I hope you do too!