Paris with Children

Paris with Children

Paris, the city of lights, the city of romance but it is also a great place to take your children for a wonderful cultural experience that will open their eyes to the world. I have listed some of the places to take children and some of the restaurants that are fun for children as well.

Batobus – a cruise down the Seine with stops along the way.

Luxembourg Gardens – carousel, ice cream and running around

Tuileries Gardens – another carousel, ponds with boats and cotton candy

                                 At the end of the Tuileries is the L’Orangerie with the

                                 Monet Water Lilies                     

Angelina’s Tearoom – the best chocolat chaud in Paris and a fabulous patisserie.

Address: 226 Rue de Rivoli (across from the Tuileries Gardens)

The Metro – ride from one place to another to experience the subway.

CinéAqua - The Trocadéro Aquarium is a tropical water wonderland

filled with colorful fish and exotic underwater species. You can eat in the

museum at Cafe Petit Jules Verne.

Eiffel Tower at night - arrive at the Eiffel Tower just before nightfall so you’re there when the first magic light show begins every hour on the hour for five minutes.

Food shopping at Bon Marche Epicerie and then the Eiffel Tower during the day - picnicking in the Champs de Mars Park.

Paris Sewer Tour – it sounds gross but it’s clean! This very clean tour is fascinating as you wander under the streets of Paris. Maps and signs indicate the streets of Paris above so workers don’t get lost.
Address: 93 Quai d’Orsay, 75007 Paris France
Phone: 47.05.10.29
Hours: Sat-Wed 11am-5pm
Métro: Pont de l’Alma

Climb the Arch de Triomphe and look at all the streets shaped like spokes of a wheel

Tour Montparnasse -   Panoramic on the 56^th floor, 360 degree view of Paris
Address: 33 Avenue du Maine  75015 Paris

Notre Dame – located on the Ile de Cite, the church is part of the earliest history of

Paris.  There are gargoyles, flying buttresses, steeples and the center of Paris. Stand on the medallion in front of Notre Dame and you will return to Paris!

Private Chocolate workshop

You will enjoy your own chocolate making workshop in one of the most famous Chocolate House of Paris.(02hr)  Discovering La Maison du Chocolat is discovering the world of chocolate. 

Paris restaurants – eating with children

Bofinger - 5-7 Rue de la Bastille  75004 Paris

Angelina’s Tearoom - 226 Rue de Rivoli  75001 Paris

Café de la Musique -Cité de la Musique213, av Jean Jaurès Paris 75019

Chez Rene - 14 bd. St-Germain, Latin Quarter, 75005

Creperie Josselin – 67 rue du Montparnasse 75014

Drouant - 18 place Gaillon 2e Paris

Ritz Carlton Marina Del Ray

Our last stop of the day on Sunday was the Ritz Carlton Marina Del Ray.
A waterfront luxury hotel and located on one of the largest man-made recreational marinas in the world. The Ritz is easy access to Venice Beach, Santa  Monica, and Malibu, and is located five miles from the airport.
Perfect for a pre or post cruise stay or before a flight to Asia.  

Los Angeles’ only AAA Five Diamond waterfront luxury hotel!

• 32-inch LCD screen television
• Polished wood furnishings, fine fabrics and plush carpets
• One king-size or two double-sized beds
• Baffle box feather beds (natural allergy-free bedding of feathers and down)
• Hand-crafted Egyptian and Italian bedding
• Private "Juliet" balconies for guest rooms on the second through twelfth floors
• Full balconies with lounge chairs on the first floor 

Virtuoso Exclusive Benefits

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily Marina (American) Breakfast in jer-ne restaurant or via room service for up to 2 in-room guests
• 4 pm late check-out, subject to availability
• Full day bicycle rentals for two, once during stay ($120 value) OR 2 hours of tennis rentals once during stay

Contact me for your stay and your Virtuoso exclusive benefits!

Montage Beverly Hills

Like a Tuscan Villa, the Montage Beverly Hills, located one block from Rodeo Drive oozes glamour and views of the Hollywood hils from the rooftop swimming pool. surrounded by private cabanas and views of the Hollywood hills. 

The Gateway Staff in the spa lobby!

Spend the day at the 20,000-square-foot, two-level Spa Montage Indulge in an Ancient Thai or Stone massage and feel the stress melt away!

Virtuoso Exclusive Benefits

For 2013:

• Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability

• Continental breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests

• $100 USD equivalent Spa Services credit, to be utilized during stay
(not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

Intercontinental Los Angeles


The Intercontinental Los Angeles Century City at Beverly Hills is well located on the Avenue of the Stars. With the back lot of the 20th Century Fox Studios next door and minutes away from Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, the guest rooms are large(575 sq ft) with furnished balconies. 

 

Well hidden nooks afford privacy for guest seating, both indoors and out.

Virtuoso Exclusive Benefits:

• Upgrade on arrival from Superior King or Double to Deluxe Suite, subject to availability
• Full American Breakfast Buffet for up to two in-room guests, served at the Park Grill Restaurant each morning (value up to $60)
• Complimentary WIFI internet access
• One US $50 hotel credit towards incidentals (parking, phone calls, F&B, mini bar, laundry, spa)

With 3 private spa villas and a rooftop pool, the Intercontinental is an oasis in the city!
 Extra amenities :

Complimentary luxury car round trip service within 1.5 mile radius to and from adjacent Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive. Experience Fitness in Sky with complimentary Zumba Class on the hotel helipad.

Hotel Bel-Air

Glamourous, iconic and gorgeous; the Hotel Bel-Air has emerged from it's restoration and is ready to wow you! The facelift was orchestrated by designer Alexandra Champalimaud and features private spa pools, outdoor fireplaces and glass retractable walls that frame canyon views. Surounding the hotel are more than 12 acres of landscaped tranquil gardens. Long favored by celebrities, this Dorchester Collection property promises
the star treatment to all it's guests.   
Insider tip: Make sure you try the de-aging facials at the new Spa by La Prairie!
 

 

Restaurant Wolfgang Puck at the Bel-Air Virtuoso Exclusive Benefits

For 2013:
• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily Continental Breakfast for up to two in-room guests
• $100 USD equivalent Spa Services credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)

View from your Premier Canyon Suite!



Junior suite pool side, stunning!



Remember: as a Virtuoso agent, I can provide you with these extras! 

The Beverly Hills Hotel

Saturday October 20, 2012

The Beverly Hills Hotel, aka the Pink Palace turns 100 years old!
This year at Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, the Beverly Hills Hotel was designated as "the Best Hotel of the Year". With the iconic Polo Lounge and the historic bungalows; the real story here is the attention to detail by every one of the employees. Service reigns!

The celebrity-favorite Polo Lounge offers specialty cocktails and late-night suppers.

Without naming names, I can guarantee we had several sightings! A step back in time to 1940s Hollywood; the pictures lining the walls; many a star has signed a contract over lunch!

Comfortable elegance in the main building or the beauty of the bungalow gardens.

The rooms and suites offer a variety of unique features such as private garden patios, kitchens, fireplaces, and balconies with gorgeous views of the palm-lined avenues of Beverly Hills. 

]This happens to be my room and patio!

Virtuoso Exclusive Benefits

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily Continental Breakfast for up to two in-room guests, in restaurant or via room service
• A $75.00 Spa credit, once during stay (applicable only on spa services and not retail spa merchandise)
• Deluxe fresh fruits & water replenished daily
• Additional amenities for guests staying in Suites or Bungalow Suites

Four Seasons Los Angeles

Saturday October 20, 2012

                                      Gateway Travel at the Four Seasons Los Angeles!

A Hollywood icon, Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills has been completely refurbished, adding a new swimming pool area, a larger Windows Lounge, and Culina, which serves modern Italian cuisine. All the rooms have great light exposure, ensuring a bright and cheery room awaits you! French doors open onto step-out balconies. The Four Seasons spa treatments are also available in new private poolside cabanas on the fourth floor. The surrounding grounds of the hotel are a tropical haven in the midst of a big city.

Virtuoso Exclusive Benefits

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Welcome fruit amenity
• Daily Continental breakfast for up to two in-room guests, in restaurant or room service
• $100 Spa services credit once during stay

For One Bedroom Suite bookings or higher guests additionally receive:

• Flowers, Deluxe Fruit amenity & Evian

Call me for more details at 248-432-8600!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SLS Hotel Beverly Hills

What else could you possibly want? Philippe Starck–designed decor, the SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills is a W Hotel grown up! Chic and stunning; right on the edge. The plush beds with monogrammed Fili D'oro linens, rain-forest showers and fabulous amenities are just the start! 

Dine in The Bazaar™ by José Andrés, featuring Rojo y Blanca for tapas; Bar Centro, serving inventive cocktails; and and Patisserie, for desserts. We had dinner here on Friday night;
starting, with tapas in Bazaar, then moving on to Tres, a sophisticated restaurant with secluded areas to make your dining private. 

Virtuoso Exclusive Benefits

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability *
• Daily Continental breakfast for up to two in-room guests in Tres (Lobby Restaurant)
• One $100 Spa Services Credit per room, per stay (can not be used for Spa products)
• I have the connections for a great stay for you!!!

Virtuoso Exclusive Benefits

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability *
• Daily Continental breakfast for up to two in-room guests in Tres (Lobby Restaurant)
• One $100 Spa Services Credit per room, per stay (can not be used for Spa products)

*Please see room description under "Rooms & Rates" for applicable room categories for upgrade.

Virtuoso Exclusive Benefits

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability *
• Daily Continental breakfast for up to two in-room guests in Tres (Lobby Restaurant)
• One $100 Spa Services Credit per room, per stay (can not be used for Spa products)

*Please see room description under "Rooms & Rates" for applicable room categories for upgrade.

Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire

Friday October 19

The Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire- you will know it as the hotel from the movie, Pretty Woman!
A short walk from the fabulous boutiques of Rodeo Drive; you'll find rooms and suites with different styles — some with contemporary decor, some with more traditional furnishings, and all offer great amenities and Wi-Fi access. The spa is well known to adults but how about a kid spa treatment for your child ages 5-17!

Virtuoso Exclusive Benefits

• Upgrade to next room category upon arrival, subject to availability
• Daily Continental Breakfast for up to two in-room guests
• $100 Spa Service Credit or $100 credit towards dinner in The Blvd, per room, once during stay

Let me know when you are going and I will set you up!

Nancy's Travel Tips

Nancy's travel tips:

Keep in mind concierge are excellent resources, but tours often are not their strength; plan tours and transfers with your travel consultant beforehand. 

How to best use a hotel concierge:

• Always make a request in person; do not just call from your room.
• Be candid about what you want and what you'll pay.
• Concierge are excellent for recommending restaurants, beware of those who make suggestions before knowing your tastes.
• Do not ask for room upgrades; they do not control that.
• Give feedback.
• Be sure to tip.

Luxury Hotels in Los Angeles

LA BOUND FOR THE WEEKEND! 

October 19-21, Gateway Travel Agents descended upon the City of Angels to review the top luxury hotels in the city. We took notes on all you need to know to enjoy an LA weekend in a great hotel. Hotels on our agenda included the Montage, Beverly Hills Hotel, the Peninsula, the Hermitage, Intercontinental, Ritz Carlton Marina Del Ray, both Four Seasons hotels, the Bel- Air and the Beverly Hills Hotel. 

Friday October 19

Our first stop, The Peninsula Beverly Hills!










Virtuoso Fall Promotion includes:

• Daily Continental breakfast for two

• $100 Spa credit
• Upgrade upon check-in
• Welcome amenity

Validity: now to December 24, 2012

Rates from $535

Insider information:

Traveling with your dog? The Peninsula Beverly Hills welcomes your pet; special suites, treats and dog walkers are all available to make you and your pet welcome. Ask me how you can set this up!

Global Entry

What is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States. Though intended for frequent international travelers, there is no minimum number of trips necessary to qualify for the program. Participants may enter the United States by using automated kiosks located at select airports.

Apply online.
Fill out an online application and pay the $100 non-refundable application fee.

Once your application is reviewed, you will receive a message in your GOES account instructing you to schedule an interview at one of the Global Entry Enrollment Centers.

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer will ask you questions, take your photo, and collect biometric information, e.g., scan your fingerprints.

Bring your valid passport(s) and one other form of identification, such as a driver's license or ID card to the interview. If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must present your permanent resident card.

Here is the website for more information:
www.globalentry.gov

Carry-on bags - what you absolutely need to take

Your agent has booked your flights, hotel and car and your suitcase is packed.
So you think you are ready to go? What about your carry-on bag? 

Must have

Presription medicines and any medical supplies you use on a daily basis 
Phone charger
Travel information - such as confirmations or vouchers you will need on your trip.
All valuables - electronics and jewelry


Basics

Change of clothing
Liquids and gels in 3.4 oz sizes - must fit in a quart size plastic bag 
Makeup - any non liquid items can be brought in any size.
Safety razors, electric razors, tweezers
A book or magazine for the flight
A sweater  - if you get cold on planes

Just remember your carry-on has to fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin.
You are allowed one item in the overhead  bin. If your carry on does not fit either of these two
places, the crew will check your bag and it will become checked luggage!

Unfortunately I need to say this as well; when your carry-on goes through security make sure you check it before you leave the area to make sure you have everything.

Paris Art Exhibitions

Behind the Scenes of Art at Paris Petit Palais

From Monet to Picasso: Behind the Scenes

A fascinating exhibition will open at the Petit Palais in Paris on November 8: “Behind the scenes of art – From Monet to Picasso.” Hundreds of photographs taken in the private studios of many famous artists reveal the intimate world of the artist at work.

Exhibition: Coulisse de l’Art: De Monet a Picasso
November 8, 2012 to February 3, 2013

Le Petit Palais
Avenue Winston Churchill
Open Tuesday – Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
(Thursday until 8 p.m. for special exhibitions)

St. Augustine, Florida

St Augustine, FL – oldest continuously inhabited city in the U.S.

Ponce de Leon landed here; I decided to see if the Fountain of Youth was fact or fiction! 

Besides the city's many historic buildings, you can really get a feel for the town's early days by strolling the narrow streets lined with Spanish-style houses.

You could take a horse-drawn carriage ride for an overview of the city or walk to one of the many wonderful small restaurants located in Old Town.

I stayed at Casa Monica Hotel;  a majestic, historic 1888 landmark; restored in 1999 in a charming Spanish Moroccan style. The hotel is decorated with antiques, Moroccan mosaics, hand-painted tiles and beams, gilded iron tables and carved chairs, potted palms, ferns and a fountain with seating. The staff was wonderful and we enjoyed the in house restaurant, 95 Cordova. It was a wonderful weekend getaway.  

Length of Trip: 3 days, 2 nights

Places visited: Downtown St. Augustine, Flagler College

Time of Year: July

Appeals to: Families with children, couples, history buffs

Traveled with: Daughter, 29 years

Note to Traveler: Many cobblestone streets, easy to navigate but watch for uneven footing

Paris update: Eiffel Tower

Both elevators at the Eiffel Tower are now working properly. That means more pre-book tickets are available for September, October and November. Tickets are for sale right now until December 5th.

REMINDER: Everyone can book tickets at www.tour-eiffel.fr this is the only way to book tickets directly.

Ask me about the exciting "Behind The Scenes" tours!

Small Ship Luxury Caribbean Cruise

I sailed with Silversea on a Virtuoso Voyage Club Caribbean cruise; March 12-21.

Silversea is an Italian built and owned luxury cruiseline. I sailed on the ship,  Silver Cloud, with a total of 280 passengers. Sailing with a small luxury ship cruise line offers an all inclusive lifestyle while still exploring many countries. There is open seating dining,  prepaid gratuities, butler service and complimentary beverages anywhere on board ship. These are just a few of the amenities that makes this line a winner of awards from Travel & Leisure and Conde Nast.

Virtuoso Voyager Club - each Virtuoso hosted departure has an experienced host to look after your interests, an onboard cocktail reception, a custom special shore event compliments of Virtuoso and Gateway Travel. This is a value you can only get through a Virtuoso agency and by booking with a Virtuoso agent, namely me!

On the Silver Cloud sailing our shore event was in lovely St Lucia. We had a private tour of the island, including the sulpher springs, a drive in volcano and lunch high in the Grand Piton Mountains at the wonderful resort, Ladera.  
Insider tip  - book your shore excursions and spa appointments prior to your cruise!



Length of Trip: 10 days
Places visited: British Virgin Islands, St Martin, St Lucia, Antigua, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada and Barbados.
Time of Year: March
Appeals to: Luxury cruisers, all inclusive devotees, lovers of wine and gourmet cuisine
Traveled with: Husband
Note to Traveler: Be prepared to relax and enjoy!

Israel and Jordan

I recently returned from a wonderful trip to Israel and Jordan sponsored by Travex and UTA, our Virtuoso partners in those countries. In ten days we experienced the best Israel and Jordan have to offer.

Israel highlights include a visit to a Golan Heights winery, Masada, Bethlehem, and most importantly the city of Jerusalem. We walked from the Mount of Olives through the Old City, stopping at Stations of the Cross and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Our visit ended at the Western Wall, a must see site!

Jordan; what an amazing country! So much more than I expected and the people were wonderful. Outside of Amman, we visited Jerash, one of the decapolis cities from the third century. We overnighted in Petra for a chance to ride a camel to see the sixth century B.C. ruins, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What a day! We also spent time with Bedouins in Wadi Rum on a wild jeep ride in the desert. We ended that day at a Dead Sea resort where we treated ourselves to a spa afternoon.

Both Travex and UTA provided us with wonderful guides and drivers and our hotels were top notch. It was a trip of a lifetime and I was thrilled to go!


Length of Trip: 11 days
Places visited: Tel Aviv, Tiberias, Caesarea, Golan Heights, Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, Jerusalem
Time of Year: February
Appeals to: Those with an interest in heritage, history, culture
Traveled with: Other Virtuoso agents from across the globe.
Note to Traveler: Lots of walking on uneven cobblestone ground, some distances.
Insider tip: Don't miss the jeep ride with Bedouins at Wadi Rum and the monastery at Petra.