Latest news with #Michelin-recommended
Business Insider
2 days ago
- Business Insider
I've stayed in several 5-star hotels. Here are 6 mistakes I made in some of the most luxurious places I've booked.
Packing my own toiletries for five-star hotel stays was a waste of space. Before my high-end travel days, I packed my own toiletries for trips. I thought I'd rather squeeze my shampoo and conditioner into tiny, reusable bottles than take a chance on the soaps available wherever I'm staying. But at five-star hotels, I've found toiletry brands I can't even afford on the bathroom counters. From Le Labo and Byredo to Floris, the hair products, body washes, and lotions I've used in these top-tier establishments have felt like a treat. Nowadays, I leave my bathroom products at home when I book luxury stays. Getting my laundry done at a five-star hotel left me over budget. When I arrived at one of Salt Lake City's only five-star hotels, the Grand America Hotel, in January 2025, I was fresh off a 15-hour train ride from Denver. My clothes were sweaty, and chunks of snow were on my pants, so I took advantage of the hotel's laundry service. I stuffed my dirty clothes into a provided bag and left it outside my door. The next day, three clean shirts, two pairs of pants, a single hoodie, a blazer, and a vest arrived on hangers. My six undergarments were wrapped in tissue paper inside cardboard boxes like a gift. It was the swankiest laundry service I'd ever experienced, and the most expensive. My 14 articles cost $115 to wash — enough money for a whole new outfit. Doing laundry was my most costly mistake during my trip to Salt Lake City. I've regretted sticking exclusively to room service meals. One of my favorite parts of staying in a nice hotel is ordering room service. Answering the door in a plush robe and slippers to have a cart roll in with cloches, condiments in tiny glass bottles, and drinks in stemmed glasses makes me feel like a VIP. But I've often missed out on what could have been exceptional dining experiences had I put on clothes and walked down to the hotel's restaurants. At five-star hotels, I've found that the restaurants typically have a luxe ambiance, award-winning cuisine, and different menus from the in-room dining options. In spring 2024, when I stayed at the Phoenician, a five-star mega-resort in Scottsdale, Arizona, I didn't try any of the award-winning dining venues — Mowry & Cotton, J&G Steakhouse, and Thirsty Camel. At the Grand America Hotel, I opted for room service breakfast, so I didn't get to experience the European vibe at the bistro, Laurel Brasserie & Bar. I did the same thing when I woke up at the Versace Mansion in 2021, and I missed out on a meal on the patio next to a 24-karat gold pool. At the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City in 2022, I didn't even see the rooftop restaurant, Eléa. Most recently, when I booked one night at the Fairmont Pacific Rim in May, I ordered dinner instead of getting a table at the Michelin-recommended restaurant Botanist, which was filled with live plants. I've also regretted leaving my bathing suit at home during fall and winter trips. When I visited Salt Lake City in the winter, a swimsuit was not on my packing list. While packing my suitcase with scarves and thermals, the thought of swimming didn't even occur to me. Then I saw the indoor pool at the Grand America Hotel and instantly regretted leaving my bathing suit at home. The Mediterranean-style pool was in a cave-like room with curvy, white walls and plenty of windows leaking natural light. The room had a calming vibe and was empty when I visited, perhaps because others had made the same mistake. I should have known better. When I visited Jackson Hole in the fall of 2024, I wished I had brought my swimsuit to use the 75-square-foot heated outdoor pool at the Four Seasons. In the future, I'll pack a bathing suit — no matter the weather. Turning down turndown service was a mistake. Turndown service was a luxury I wasn't accustomed to before my five-star stays. In the early evening (usually), an attendant stops in to prepare the room for sleeping. They make the bed, adjust the shades and lighting, and sometimes leave treats. On a few occasions when I was in my room in the evening, I've said "no, thank you" to the housekeepers coming by my room, But I stopped saying no after my stay at the Bulgari Hotel and Spa in Milan in 2022. On my bedside table, I found a menu with a selection of pillows — lavender-scented, aloe vera-infused, and memory foam, to name a few. When an attendant stopped by for turndown service, I requested two and was thrilled to receive them five minutes later. I wondered if I'd missed out on this amenity at other luxury hotels. Since my stay at the Bulgari, I've noticed that pillow menus and complimentary essential oils are common offerings at five-star hotels. And they make an already lavish stay feel even more elevated. Now, I always say "yes, please" to the service. I always regret booking just one night at a five-star hotel. It's always hard saying goodbye when I check out after just one night in a five-star hotel. I've left longing for another bath in a deep soaking tub, another snooze in a king-sized bed with custom pillows, and more time to take advantage of top-tier amenities I didn't even get the chance to try — from gyms with Peloton bikes and group fitness classes to spas, pools, and pickleball courts. With a standard 4 p.m. check-in and 11 a.m. check-out, one night simply isn't enough time to enjoy all the luxuries five-star hotels offer. So, if you plan to book a stay at a five-star hotel soon, don't make the same mistake. When your friends ask you how the Mediterranean-style indoor pool was, you'll want to have something to say.
The Province
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Province
This Vancouver restaurant is a hot spot for audiophiles and foodies alike
At the Michelin-recommended Union Street bar/restaurant Bar Gobo, you can immerse yourself in sound while sampling Filipino cuisine courtesy of chef Ralph Cravalho Chef Ralph Cravalho is adding Filipino flavours to the Bar Gobo menu. Photo by Hakan Burcuoglu Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. At Bar Gobo, some come for the music and stay for the food. Others, vice versa. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Since installing two state-of-the-art speakers late last year, along with a DJ nook, the Michelin-recommended Union Street bar/restaurant has become a hot spot for audiophiles and foodies alike. And if they're coming, or staying, for the food, they'll have a chance to sample some Filipino cuisine courtesy of chef Ralph Cravalho. Cravalho took over kitchen duties three months ago, and one of his first orders of business was to incorporate some flavours from his birthplace. 'I just went with what I know,' said the chef, who moved here from the Philippines with his mother and siblings when he was nine. 'I'd never cooked Filipino food professionally or ate it all that much after moving here. A lot of is memory-based.' Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. As the son of a single mom working multiple jobs, he learned to feed himself — after he complained that she kept making the same things. 'She said, 'Why don't you cook then?' Every once in a while, I remind her about that and apologize.' Before his present gig, the 31-year-old chef honed his craft in kitchens at Burdock & Co. (where Bar Gobo began as a pop-up), The Mackenzie Room, and Gary's. He also spent two years cheffing in Montreal. On the current Bar Gobo menu, Cravalho brings Filipino flare to oysters, morels and stick rice. One of the featured 'snacks,' the oyster, is baked and served with a coconut laing sauce. 'The sauce is usually made with taro leaves, coconut milk and shrimp paste, and served over fried pork or shrimp and rice. But fresh taro has slimy texture and isn't for everybody.' Instead, he uses Taiwanese spinach. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The oyster shell rests on a bed of salt. 'I have to tell people every time not to eat the salt. It's just to hold the oyster in place.' The Gobo Oyster with Coconut Laing Sauce. Photo by Hakan Burcuoglu One of the mains is pancit canton noodles. It's a traditional Filipino noodle dish that is typically flavoured with the citrus hybrid calamansi. 'It's something that everyone in the country, rich or poor, eats. It's nostalgic for a lot of people.' Cravalho makes his version with morels, crispy shallots, green onions and toyomansi sauce, a combination of calamansi, soy and 'lots of garlic.' One of two deserts on the menu, sticky biko pudding is sticky rice topped with coconut caramel and local cherries. 'It's something you'd have at a birthday party. It's like sticky toffee pudding but with coconut milk and sticky rice instead.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The menu is heavy on the coconut, which is also the base for the dressing on the gem lettuce salad. 'Coconut is a good alternative to cream or butter,' Cravalho said. The Gobo Sticky Biko Pudding. Photo by Hakan Burcuoglu Other places to try Filipino food in Vancouver include Haliná, which is currently in a 'soft open' phase at its Hastings-Sunrise location. On July 3, A Night of Too Many Chefs showcased the talents of over a dozen Filipino chefs. Some of the proceeds from the event went to the Vancouver Filipino Chef Meal Train, which provides culturally appropriate meals to those affected by the Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy. More foodie than music fan himself, Cravalho is learning to appreciate the sound system he finds himself immersed in five nights a week. 'I'm always hearing stuff I haven't heard before, and I'm like, 'What's this?'' Hand-crafted by Bar Gobo co-owner Kevin Bismanis and general manager Paul McCloskey, with guidance from Space Lab's Clint Moroz and ArchiveElectronic's Gawain Carey, the aural tech uses vintage and modern components. The room itself is wrapped in nine inches of acoustic insulation, giving the sound warmth and clarity. 'The people who know about hi-fi bars and the equipment, their eyes light up when they see the speakers,' Cravalho said. Read More Deals Life News News News
Vancouver Sun
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
This Vancouver restaurant is a hot spot for audiophiles and foodies alike
At Bar Gobo, some come for the music and stay for the food. Others, vice versa. Since installing two state-of-the-art speakers late last year, along with a DJ nook, the Michelin-recommended Union Street bar/restaurant has become a hot spot for audiophiles and foodies alike. And if they're coming, or staying, for the food, they'll have a chance to sample some Filipino cuisine courtesy of chef Ralph Cravalho. Cravalho took over kitchen duties three months ago, and one of his first orders of business was to incorporate some flavours from his birthplace. Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'I just went with what I know,' said the chef, who moved here from the Philippines with his mother and siblings when he was nine. 'I'd never cooked Filipino food professionally or ate it all that much after moving here. A lot of is memory-based.' As the son of a single mom working multiple jobs, he learned to feed himself — after he complained that she kept making the same things. 'She said, 'Why don't you cook then?' Every once in a while, I remind her about that and apologize.' Before his present gig, the 31-year-old chef honed his craft in kitchens at Burdock & Co. (where Bar Gobo began as a pop-up), The Mackenzie Room, and Gary's. He also spent two years cheffing in Montreal. On the current Bar Gobo menu, Cravalho brings Filipino flare to oysters, morels and stick rice. One of the featured 'snacks,' the oyster, is baked and served with a coconut laing sauce. 'The sauce is usually made with taro leaves, coconut milk and shrimp paste, and served over fried pork or shrimp and rice. But fresh taro has slimy texture and isn't for everybody.' Instead, he uses Taiwanese spinach. The oyster shell rests on a bed of salt. 'I have to tell people every time not to eat the salt. It's just to hold the oyster in place.' One of the mains is pancit canton noodles. It's a traditional Filipino noodle dish that is typically flavoured with the citrus hybrid calamansi. 'It's something that everyone in the country, rich or poor, eats. It's nostalgic for a lot of people.' Cravalho makes his version with morels, crispy shallots, green onions and toyomansi sauce, a combination of calamansi, soy and 'lots of garlic.' One of two deserts on the menu, sticky biko pudding is sticky rice topped with coconut caramel and local cherries. 'It's something you'd have at a birthday party. It's like sticky toffee pudding but with coconut milk and sticky rice instead.' The menu is heavy on the coconut, which is also the base for the dressing on the gem lettuce salad. 'Coconut is a good alternative to cream or butter,' Cravalho said. Other places to try Filipino food in Vancouver include Haliná, which is currently in a 'soft open' phase at its Hastings-Sunrise location. On July 3, A Night of Too Many Chefs showcased the talents of over a dozen Filipino chefs. Some of the proceeds from the event went to the Vancouver Filipino Chef Meal Train, which provides culturally appropriate meals to those affected by the Lapu-Lapu Day tragedy . More foodie than music fan himself, Cravalho is learning to appreciate the sound system he finds himself immersed in five nights a week. 'I'm always hearing stuff I haven't heard before, and I'm like, 'What's this?'' Hand-crafted by Bar Gobo co-owner Kevin Bismanis and general manager Paul McCloskey, with guidance from Space Lab's Clint Moroz and ArchiveElectronic's Gawain Carey, the aural tech uses vintage and modern components. The room itself is wrapped in nine inches of acoustic insulation, giving the sound warmth and clarity. 'The people who know about hi-fi bars and the equipment, their eyes light up when they see the speakers,' Cravalho said.
The Sun
08-07-2025
- The Sun
Dorsett Mongkok Grants Travellers' 3 Wishes: 3 Extra Perks, 26-Hour Stays & 20% Savings on Direct Bookings
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 July 2025 - This summer, experience Hong Kong's magic at Dorsett Mongkok, the award-winning 4-star hotel crowned a TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice for 13 consecutive years. Located just 5 MTR stops (28 minutes) from Hong Kong Disneyland – where the 20th Anniversary 'Magical Party' begins June 28, 2025 – the hotel invites travellers to book its exclusive 'Dorsett 3 Wishes' package at 20% off best available rates. Guests may personalize their stay by choosing any three perks from options such as Airport Express tickets, a complimentary dim sum meal, room upgrades and more. The official website exclusive includes a 26-hour stay with flexible check-in/out times plus two bonus hours. Walkable Foodie Paradise + Shuttle-Access To Hong Kong's Best Dorsett Mongkok offers an ideal location in the heart of Hong Kong's attractions, surrounded by Michelin-recommended street food and renowned dim sum restaurants. The property sits just a 7-minute walk from Olympic MTR Station and Olympian City shopping mall. For further exploration, the hotel's convenient shuttle service provides direct access to popular destinations including Ladies Market, Temple Street Night Market, Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, and West Kowloon - home to Hong Kong's premier cultural attractions such as the M+ Museum and Palace Museum. Personalized Hong Kong Escape: 3 Complimentary Perks with 26-Hour Stay Guests can unlock 20% off best rates for stays of two nights or more through the Dorsett 3 Wishes room package, featuring three complimentary perks to choose from: Airport Express Ticket Premium Dim Sum Set Local Cha Chaan Teng Meal Local SIM card Tourist Octopus Free Room Upgrade & more... Guests who book directly through the hotel's official website unlock an exclusive 26-hour stay – with fully flexible check-in/out times designed for early bird arrivals or late-night city explorers. The ultimate Hong Kong itinerary begins here - BOOK DIRECT to claim 3 complimentary wishes! *T&Cs apply.
Arabian Post
08-07-2025
- Arabian Post
Dorsett Mongkok Grants Travellers' 3 Wishes: 3 Extra Perks, 26-Hour Stays & 20% Savings on Direct Bookings
With Easy 5-stop Disneyland access & free shuttle to Hong Kong's top attractions HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 July 2025 – This summer, experience Hong Kong's magic at Dorsett Mongkok, the award-winning 4-star hotel crowned a TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice for 13 consecutive years. Located just 5 MTR stops (28 minutes) from Hong Kong Disneyland – where the 20th Anniversary 'Magical Party' begins June 28, 2025 – the hotel invites travellers to book its exclusive 'Dorsett 3 Wishes' package at 20% off best available rates. Guests may personalize their stay by choosing any three perks from options such as Airport Express tickets, a complimentary dim sum meal, room upgrades and more. The official website exclusive includes a 26-hour stay with flexible check-in/out times plus two bonus hours. ADVERTISEMENT Walkable Foodie Paradise + Shuttle-Access To Hong Kong's Best Dorsett Mongkok offers an ideal location in the heart of Hong Kong's attractions, surrounded by Michelin-recommended street food and renowned dim sum restaurants. The property sits just a 7-minute walk from Olympic MTR Station and Olympian City shopping mall. For further exploration, the hotel's convenient shuttle service provides direct access to popular destinations including Ladies Market, Temple Street Night Market, Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, and West Kowloon – home to Hong Kong's premier cultural attractions such as the M+ Museum and Palace Museum. Personalized Hong Kong Escape: 3 Complimentary Perks with 26-Hour Stay Guests can unlock 20% off best rates for stays of two nights or more through the Dorsett 3 Wishes room package, featuring three complimentary perks to choose from: Airport Express Ticket Premium Dim Sum Set Local Cha Chaan Teng Meal Local SIM card Tourist Octopus Free Room Upgrade & more… Guests who book directly through the hotel's official website unlock an exclusive 26-hour stay – with fully flexible check-in/out times designed for early bird arrivals or late-night city explorers. The ultimate Hong Kong itinerary begins here – BOOK DIRECT to claim 3 complimentary wishes! *T&Cs apply. Hashtag: #DorsettMongkok The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Dorsett Mongkok, Hong Kong This 13-time TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice winner features 285 rooms, including Family Quad Rooms for four. Ideally located between Mong Kok and Tai Kok Tsui, the hotel is just 7 minutes from Olympic MTR Station, surrounded by local eateries, with complimentary shuttles to Tsim Sha Tsui and West Kowloon. Visit:
