Hotel Heaven

Chiltern Firehouse: London

I, like many others, have been reading about Chiltern Firehouse in everything from Vogue to Conde Nast Traveler for many years. It is the definition of a celebrity hot spot in London.

However, I didn’t have the opportunity to stay there until New Years Eve of 2019, when my sister and I decided to splurge on a few nights at the Firehouse.

I immediately fell in love with both the design and the exclusivity that the Chiltern Firehouse brings. I mean, who wouldn't? But it wasn’t until a more recent stay that I became a loyal guest.

On my first solo trip abroad I wanted to stay somewhere I was familiar with, somewhere a little bit smaller with a safer feel and The Chiltern was exactly what I needed. But it was the staff there, who welcomed my single self with open arms, that really made the experience one for the books.

They checked in on me when I stopped for a quick toastie or juice during the day and always saved me a seat at the bar that night - introducing me to all of the regulars. If you know the Chiltern, you know what a feat that is.

I am going back to London in a few days, once again on a solo trip, and there isn’t a single better place I could think of to call a home away from home than the Chiltern.

But even if I was going with someone, I’d bring them here.

Giraffe Manor: Kenya

Hi my name is Jessica and I love Giraffes. I love giraffes so much that, when I found out our family vacation would take us to Kenya, I started saving money immediately for one night at the Giraffe Manor.

I mean, who wouldn’t want to stay somewhere where you can have both breakfast and sundowners with the world’s most friendly giraffes? Not to mention a gorgeous hotel, incredible food and a very welcoming staff.

However, I have to admit that heading into our stay I grew more and more nervous that a place I had read so much about wouldn’t live up to my epically high expectations. Is it possible for somewhere to be so wonderful?

Well, I am here to tell you it is.

Go. Please. You’ll love it.

And if you don’t, I think we might be fundamentally different types of people. :)

Oberoi Hotels - India

I realize that “Oberoi Hotels” is a little broad - but during our time in India we stayed in a number of them (Agra, Rathambore, Jaipur) and they were some of the most beautiful hotels I have ever had the pleasure of visiting.

I mean, to be honest, Kate and William stayed at one. They are that good.

But on top of all of their beauty, these hotels were essential to my survival this trip. You see, I like to think of myself as a seasoned and sensible traveler. I can sometimes be found teary eyed on the plane home, because I love traveling so much, but I typically have my head on pretty straight while I am actually doing the traveling. That is until India.

Yes, you heard it here first. I had my very first travel meltdown. I was overwhelmed in every sense of the word. Never have I been to a country where so. much. is. happening. So many people, so many sights, so many crazy drivers, so many animals and so much color being thrown at us (oh, I forgot to mention we were there during Holi). It was a lot to take in.

But when I say the Oberoi Hotels acted as a oasis through the crazy, I really mean it. And if you are making the trek to India, I highly recommend you consider splurging on these amazing properties.