On my first night in Stresa, I opted to try Trattoria La Botte. The cozy restaurant was adorned with fun caricatures of the family who was there running the place, even this particular evening. I was kindly seated at a very romantic table, ripe for people watching and even better as they poured me the…
Tag: solo travel
Hotel La Palma- Stresa
With France striking for trains, pensions, and garbage on fire from those strikes, the only logical thing to do with the long Easter weekend was pop over to Italy. On a particularly frustrating work day I did about five minutes of googling and settled on Hotel La Palma for its proximity to the train station,…
Enoteca da Giannino- Stresa
What’s better than an effervescent glass of bubbly to sip while watching the buzzy tourist square of Sresa go by? A good book to go with it? Ok…now it’s better… a handful of potato chips…ok, ok maybe slightly better. (How to the Italians never tire of crisps?) And that’s precisely the fun little pit stop…
Harry’s Dolce- London
If you’re in need of a nice, but not too nice lunch break between major shopping destinations, look no further than Harry’s Dolce well-situated just behind Harrod’s. The sidewalk tables offer excellent people watching as the schmaciest of cars come to valet at Harrod’s. Also, well placed is the Moet champagne bar within Harrod’s just…
Margot- London
Originally, I’d booked Margot London for it’s dachshund themed signage, but later for it’s close proximity to my hotel and upscale Italian menu. The dachshunds even managed to provide a joyful touch to the apero. A small piece of foccacia and a perfectly measured tablespoon of olive oil warranted a 1 GBP cover charge. This…
Radio Rooftop- London
After a very rainy walk from the hotel and a an hour or so in the Cortauld Gallery for the first time (amazing) I ducked into the ME Hotel London for a spot of lunch at Radio Rooftop. The main hotel lobby is a true interior design thing of beauty. As one of the first…
The Barbary- London
On my list for some time after stumbling across it accidentally then continuing to read about it online thereafter, I was determined to dine for myself this trip. I took their website’s advice since I couldn’t make a reservation for one and waited the estimated 30 minutes for a seat for one. With just maybe…
Middle Eight Hotel- London
Wow oh wow do I absolutely have a new home away from home in London, particularly if coming via St. Pancreas. An easy 20 minute walk (even with too much luggage in the rain and wind) Middle Eight is well situated just outside of the happening Seven Dials areas. While the area can sometimes feel…
Hotel Indigo- Edinburgh
Company spending pressures combined with the needing to stay near Waverly station found myself at the Hotel Indigo for a few nights during my recent work trip. I wasn’t sure what to expect, especially being situated among a lot of construction even continuing on during a 10PM arrival. Surprise, surprise, the place was absolutely delightful!…
La Caravella- Venice
While I had a reservation already booked for La Caravella my final night, I was wandering the neighborhood the night before, people watching and sneaking into a few shops as the merchants were closing up for the day. That’s how I found myself awkwardly perched on an uncomfortable bar stool in the high traffic area…
Gio’s- Venice
Sometimes it’s more fun to have the splurge meal of the day be lunch than dinner, providing a reason to stroll around all afternoon and lazily walk it off well in advance of the evening or if you’re on a city break, it creates the perfect opportunity for wine-fueled shopping. Gio’s did just that. Located…
Lineadombra- Venice
Lineadombra looked like a real gem as soon as I’d read the menu and realized it was just a fifteen minute walk from the hotel who also recommended this intimate place. I got all dolled up for my solo date night, starting with an apertivo at Antinoos Lounge, and even shoved my broken toes into…