During my stay at Hampton by Hilton Panamá, I encountered some funny Spanish to English translations at the breakfast buffet. Mmmm…. Bouns. Apparently they were trying to spell “buns.” According to Wikipedia, a “bollo” is a bun made from corn or potatoes. I don’t know what a bun is anymore. “Sauges” is close, but “salchichas”…
Hiltons of London: Doubletree by Hilton Tower Hill
I have stayed at the Doubletree by Hilton Tower Hill twice. Overall, it is my favourite hotel in London! On my first stay, I was given a free upgrade to an Executive room, and the second time I stayed in a standard room (tip: Friday and Saturday check-ins are the worst for getting free upgrades). However, both of…
Hiltons of London: Doubletree by Hilton Hyde Park
The Doubletree by Hilton Hyde Park is a nice hotel in central London. I stayed for 7 days and enjoyed both the hotel and the location. It is across the street of the north side of Hyde Park, and just 2 blocks west of my previously reviewed hotel, the Hilton Hyde Park. I was upgraded to a…
Hiltons of London: Hilton London Hyde Park
The Hilton London Hyde Park is a nice boutique hotel that recently finished significant refurbishments. I enjoyed my stay and would be happy to stay again. The hotel is in a quaint building around the corner from Queensway LRT Station. There are several restaurants and pubs (of course) around, and it’s just a few blocks east…
My Bucket List
Life is short! The older I get, the more I realize it. My bucket list contains the things I want to do, see, and experience before my life ends. I had a mental bucket list in my teens and 20’s, but that list changed drastically by the time I hit 30. As my understanding of the world evolved, my…
The Hilton-Like Tropicana Las Vegas
From the outside, you wouldn’t know that the Tropicana Las Vegas is part of the Hilton hotel chain. Its full name is “Tropicana Las Vegas a Doubletree by Hilton,” and you even get a warm cookie when you check-in. On my most recent stay, I pushed the limit to answer the question: How Hilton-y is…
My Holidays at Holiday Inn Club Vacations Desert Inn Resort Las Vegas
I have stayed several weeks in several different units at the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Desert Inn Resort in Las Vegas over the past few years. It is a Las Vegas IHG property (along with Staybridge Suites and The Palazzo). I frequently choose this property when I can get a good price. It’s 2 blocks east of Las…
My “Free” Nights at The Palazzo Las Vegas
The Palazzo is a large, high-end casino on the Las Vegas Strip. It’s between the Venetian (its sister tower) and The Wynn, and across from TI. It’s also across the corner from the Fashion Show Mall. The Palazzo and Venetian are owned by IHG, the same owner as Holiday Inn. Because of previous gambling at the Palazzo,…
My Stay at Staybridge Suites Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Staybridge Suites is a few minutes off the south side of Las Vegas Blvd (“the Strip”), west of the airport. It is a member of Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG), the same owner as Holiday Inn. This hotel is surrounded by a few other Marriott and IHG hotels, all of which have free shuttles to the Strip. I chose Staybridge…
Hiltons of London
My favourite hotel chain is Hilton, and I often stay at Hilton and Doubletree by Hilton hotels in central London. I have visited and blogged about 7 Hiltons of London so far (links below). Perhaps this blog series may be useful to others, plus it helps me remember which London Hilton hotels I like and why….
Hiltons of London: Hilton Metropole London
My LEAST favourite Hilton hotel in London is the Hilton London Metropole. I had booked 4 nights, but left after only 1 night due to many issues with the room and hotel. The issues started with check-in, where the front desk receptionist was cold and dismissive. I asked for an upgraded room (I figured it never…
Hiltons of London: Doubletree by Hilton Westminster
The Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Westminster is a lovely hotel in central London. It is a sister property of my favourite Hilton hotel in London, the Doubletree by Hilton Tower Hill, and there are many clear similarities. I’ve only stayed once so far, but despite a couple of hiccups, I would be happy to return. As usual with Hilton…
Hiltons of London: Doubletree by Hilton London Victoria
The Doubletree by Hilton Hotel London Victoria is a lovely, independently-owned hotel in the Victoria area of London, which is south of Hyde Park, and north of the Thames River. As a Hilton Diamond member, I was happy to be upgraded to a junior suite, which was quite spacious and nice. The bedroom was quiet,…
Hiltons of London: Hilton London Green Park
The Hilton London Green Park is set in an old Georgian townhouse in the heart of Mayfair in central London. The best part of this hotel is its location. It is between Hyde Park and Green Park. The main fun areas of London and the best shopping (like Harvey Nichols!) are all within a 20-minute walk. Best…
All My Belongings in a Carry-On
I greatly enjoy the freedom and precious time that being a minimalist provides. As I previously blogged in Waking Up from the American Dream, I used to own a house, a car, furniture, appliances, etc. I learned that the more stuff you own, the more your stuff owns you. I used to spend my free…
Eating Healthy in Hotels: 1 Week with a Kitchen
Eating healthy, home-cooked (vegetarian) meals while travelling can be challenging, but it’s easier with a kitchen! Long-term hotels, vacation homes, and some resorts have a full-size kitchen that I am happy to utilize. The following shopping and recipe list provides 14 healthy meals (That’s 7 days of lunches and dinners for 1 person, or 7…
Why I Don’t Wear Make-up
I don’t wear make-up. I used to wear it now and then, and I respect make-up as an art form. However, it’s not for me, and I have given it up entirely. Here’s why: 1. It feels gross. I don’t like the feel of make-up on my face. When I touch my face, I want to…
Save Money by Living in Hotels?
I enjoy the benefits of living in hotels full-time, while also saving money! I especially love the stress-free lifestyle and the abundance of free time in my life. The hotel lifestyle may not be appropriate for those who have a big family, certain pets, or certain hobbies. It may not make sense for those who already invested in a…
Top 10 Best Things About Living the Hotel Lifestyle
My driver license has a Hilton hotel as my address. That’s about as tied down as I will ever be. Everything I own fits in one suitcase. I don’t run errands, I don’t do chores, I don’t drive, and I don’t pay bills. I never liked those things, so I got rid of them! I am…
Eating Healthy in Las Vegas: Off the Strip
After a week of living on the Las Vegas Strip, I was ready for some nice quiet living OFF the Strip. Even though I was getting complimentary nights at casino properties, I had felt trapped in an area where I couldn’t sleep well and the food was overpriced and unhealthy. Fortunately I was still able to enjoy complimentary…
