If you are in search of modern yet authentic French cuisines, then in my opinion Restaurant Plaza Athénée (Alain Ducasse) will be an ideal place for you. Very few chefs have gained such international fame in a short span of time like Alain Ducasse. The décor of the restaurant is mind-blowing. Top-notch decorator called Patrick…
Paris, which is the largest and capital city of France, located on the banks of river Seine. It occupies the third position in the list of the most expensive cities of the world. Paris comprises of large metropolitan area along with other satellite towns. However, it is still one of the most compact cities of…
It’s all about boutique. So no surprise that the cruise industry’s first boutique-luxury river cruise line is ready to set sail. Jewel River Cruises is launching the first all-suite, boutique luxury river cruise ship designed for discerning travelers. With the debut of the ms Jewel Imperial Blue, the line plans to add two more ships…
Most people think Springtime in Paris — but why not Thanksgiving in Paris? Context, the network of scholars who lead walking tours in several European cities, is hosting a special Thanksgiving dinner at historic restaurant Le Pharamond on Thanksgiving Day, November 22. It will be hosted and presided over by docent and dining historian Carolin…
After being closed two and one half years for extensive renovations, Hotel Balzac in Paris reopened on July 16. With a great location near the Etoile, just off the Champs Elysees, this looks to be a stunning property. Fully air conditioned with duvet bedding and non-smoking rooms available, the hotel offers butlers and 24 hour…
Inspired by the silk escape maps issued to Allied airmen during WWII, Map Scarves are now available for fashion conscious travelers. The silk gold-tone scarves feature detailed city maps of London, Paris, Rome, Venice, Berlin, Vienna, New York, San Francisco and Washington, DC. They “cover” all the major sights and attractions, along with a few…
The Ritz Paris is offering an incredible promotion this summer through Virtuoso. With a minimum stay of four nights between July 8 and August 10, 2007, you can enjoy a double upgrade to a higher category room or suite at the regular Virtuoso rates. Ideally located on the Place Vendome, the Ritz Paris offers easy…
In the heart of the Latin Quarter, in the heart of Paris, state of the art, yet old fashioned decor, lively yet cozy atmosphere, with all you need to make this your hang out during a short or long term stay in Paris. When opening his ‘Little Temple Bar’ in ‘rue de la soif’ (street…
A few weeks ago, I wrote that our friends Len and Deb would be staying at The Ritz Hotel in Paris for a friends’ milestone birthday. Here’s what Len just told me via email: “All I can say is that I’m broke!!! It’s expensive there. Coffee for two was $27.50 without tip. Our friends decided…
“Would you like a side of bling with your chocolates today?” asked the waiter at Le Sefran, located in the Hilton Arc de Triomphe, Paris. The “Paris” Hilton has joined forces with the city’s top jeweler, Maison Paillard, to offer the world’s most expensive dessert: “Let Them Eat Cake” a chocolate confection served with a…
With the dwindling value of the US dollar abroad –– and the rising value of other currencies like the Euro –– the newest question on our Vagablond online poll has some thought-provoking answers. Is New York City one of the world’s most expensive cities? Or is it Tokyo, where steak dinners can cost hundreds of…
In 1898, Cesar Ritz opened his masterpiece on one of the most beautiful squares in Paris, The Ritz, one of the world’s first truly luxury hotels. Today, it’s still a synonym for elegance and perfection. From the outside, it’s opulent. From the inside, incredibly, it’s even more rich and luxurious than probably all other first…