This weekend, glam-looking Los Angelenos raced to check out the triumphant return of fan fave Beautycon, presented by Walmart. The weekend-long extravaganza was held at The Reef in DTLA.
There’s always a new story and a new side to Paris. Whether it’s the artistic flair of Montmartre, the history of the Latin Quarter, the romance of the Eiffel Tower, or of course the chic luxury in the heart of the city… your trip to Paris is very much what you make of it.
So it’s fun for adventure seekers to go out and explore new neighborhoods that can show a fuller side to the city they already love.
Lobby at the 25 Hours Hotel Terminus Nord, Paris.
The Vibe
The 25 Hour Hotel Terminus Nord in Paris is a chic oasis in itself with lovingly eclectic designs that will elevate your stay.
Located in the 10th arrondissement, which has a strong North African and Indian presence, the design draws inspo from the neighborhood with vibrant color, patterns and textures… which juxtapose nicely with the Baron Haussman era exterior.
Many travelers are likely to enter the hotel straight from getting off the train at the Gare du Nord and the hotel is an immediately welcoming presence. Step into the wide doors and you’ll quickly be charmed by the eclectic gifts in the shop as you reach the reception area that has been stylized like a French kiosk.
There’s a cool hip bar upstairs that travelers can enjoy, as well as office working space.
Moving in for the stay, adding some clothes and prints found along my travels. Photo credit: Lauren Goldenberg
The Rooms
Particularly for Paris, this hotel felt massive with 237 spacious rooms. The decor continues its North African/Indian theme with bold colors, bright prints, and a Bollywood-style poster hanging in my room. The bed and linens were super, super comfortable and like my stay in the 25 Hours in Florence, probably gave me one of the best nights of sleep during my trip.
My personal favorite feature of the room was definitely the open closet, with the fun lighting display that read “Applause,” giving it a cheeky star attraction vibe. Perfect for a city known as the fashion capital of the world.
It was also really cool to have my own Parisian balcony to step onto and enjoy the sunshine or have a bite of a croissant.
Like my stay at the 25 Hours Hotel in Florence, I was design-obsessed with all the other little details in the room — which appear to be a trademark of the hotel brand.
These include the fun spin on the usual tired ‘Do Not Disturb’ signs — here, you can open the book and choose a new saying like “the love birds have finally left” or, my personal fave “imagine the rolling stones stayed in the room.”
The Food
Neni is the hotel’s first-floor restaurant and, like the rest of the hotel, dishes up a cool instagrammable vibe and ambiance (with views of the iconic train station across the way). But naturally, the starring dish here is the cuisine.
If you indulge in their all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, you’ll probably come home dreaming about it. Wander through the tables and you’ll find croissants and pain du chocolat, french toast, the array of cheeses and breads, lox and eggs, cold meats, fresh fruit, dried fruit, labneh and hummus, radishes and other veggies, and so much more. Because the menu is influenced not just by French food, but also Israeli, Persian, and Moroccan fare — you’ll have more choices that you’d expect. (Just in case you have pain du chocolat overload on your trip). Although, seriously, their chocolate croissants were among the best I had at any hotel.
As for what to drink… why not have some champagne for the breakfast buffet? Ouais, s’il vous plaît. Of course, you can also opt for the orange juice… and voila, you’ve got a mimosa.
While I didn’t get to try their lunch or dinner offerings, the buffet was so amazing that I’d highly suggest a stop for anyone who wanted to grab a bite before (or after) departing their train from Gare du Nord across the street.
Location
The hotel is literally opposite the iconic Gare du Nord — so this is a particularly perfect base for those who’ll be taking several train trips either while in Paris (perhaps a day trip to Brussels or the London) or even if Paris is simply a quick stop en route to your next destination.
Also, the metro is literally in front of the hotel’s entrance so making your way around the city will be a snap.
Since it’s located in the 10th arrondissement, the hotel is also ideal for travelers who perhaps want to stay away from more tourist-centric spots and are curious about other neighborhoods. One thing to keep in mind is that although the Gare du Nord itself is iconic and the busiest train station in Europe, it’s probably not the spot where you’re likely to be hanging out late at night.
But Montemarte is nearby, as is the trendy Canal-Saint Martin.
About 25 Hours Hotels
A stay with the German-based 25 Hours Hotel Group is ideal for anyone with a fun, hipster spirit — or the traveler who doesn’t want to stay in cookie-cutter establishments… yet enjoys being loyal to a brand that they already know.
Each hotel has a quirky cool vibe and design that are unique to the spirit of the city’s location, or (particularly in the Paris outpost) the neighborhood as well.
Check out my recap for the 25 Hours Hotel in Florence. Or check out the 25 Hours Hotel site for more destinations.
Ah, Florence. Birthplace of the Renaissance. Home to the Medic-is. Center of art, culture, and fashion. Capital of Tuscany and the gateway to your Under the Tuscan Sun dreams.
And now, in the middle of this iconic city with so much history, the always on-trend 25 Hours Hotels has opened its first foray into Italy.
Do you really need any extra reasons to book a flight pronto?
The Vibe
25 Hours Florence, officially called 25 Hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino was basically designed for social media — so if you plan on TikTok’ing your way throughout your travels, you’ve found your Florence residence.
Soon as you walk in, you’ll be charmed by the trendy boutique mixed in with the reception.
Taking the design cues from Dante’s Divine Comedy, the hotel gets into its theme throughout. It’s definitely a hipster paradise, as the hotel is one gorgeous instagrammable background after another. I saw several people taking fun snapshots everywhere from the trendy lounge area to the elevators.
There’s also a fun film lounge inside, as well as a lively courtyard garden that would be just as fun for travelers as well as Florentines to hang out. If you’re planning a fun girls trip or a romantic getaway with your significant other, you’ll have a blast.
Fun extra tidbit: Dante’s Divine Comedy came up several times throughout my travels in Italy (particularly in Verona). Italian school kids learn about the epic poem (a brisk 900 page or so read) like American school kids might learn about Romeo and Juliet or The Catcher in the Rye. So… the experience of staying in the hotel and absorbing this part of the culture was extra cool.
Cheeky humor in the Paradiso Room
The Rooms
The decision you’ll need to make is: are your vacay vibes a slice of heaven or are you in the mood for a devilishly good time?
Because you can choose a room with a motif of either “Paradiso” or “Inferno.”
I wanted a serene retreat this time for my trip so it was fun to get to step into a plush, welcoming room decorated with a mobile of playful cherubs. (Look closely and you’ll catch those cherubs having some extra cheeky fun). There are also light fixtures with wings, a cloud-shaped bathroom sink, and peekaboo shower glass. Because you may not want to be tooooo good when on vacay; even the heavenly can have fun with a little extra vice thrown in 😉
I’m all about design elements and loved all the attention to detail, including the fun open closet, as well as the entrances to each room (designed after one of Dante’s characters).
Of course, if you’re thinking it would be hellish to have to entirely choose either a ‘heaven’ or a ‘hell’ room, you’re in luck. Because you can still get to check out the vibe of both throughout the hotel. When walking into the elevator to reach your room, you’ll step either into one straight outta hell — or take the stairway (er, elevator) to heaven.
Breakfast at the 25 Hours Hotel Piazza San Paolino. Photo credit: Lauren Goldenberg
The Food
When you’re vacationing in Italy, let’s face it: the food’s part of the destination, right along with visiting the Duomo, the David, and the Ponte Vecchio bridge.
Italians don’t take their brekkie as seriously as those in NYC, LA, or Sydney do — usually, you’re good with a croissant on the go. So it’s a special treat to get to enjoy a huge array of brekkie options.
And do you ever.
Cakes and pies, yogurt, fresh fruit, potatoes and root vegetables, and more are on offer for the brekkie buffet which is as instagrammable as the design of the gorgeous restaurant.
The Location
Located in the Santa Maria Novella district (very close to the train station), the hotel is just a few blocks from the beating heart of the city. The Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio Bridge are just a short walk away.
About 25 Hours Hotels
A stay with the German-based 25 Hours Hotel Group is ideal for anyone with a fun, hipster spirit — or the traveler who doesn’t want to stay in cookie-cutter establishments… yet enjoys being loyal to a brand that they already know.
Each hotel has a quirky cool vibe and design that are unique to the spirit of the city’s location.
Check out my recap for the 25 Hours Hotel in Paris. Or check out the 25 Hours Hotel site for more destinations.
While there are always some surprise winners Oscar night — it’s never a surprise when Doris Bergman’s Lounge is one of the most sought-after events of the season.
Debbie Durkin was back doing what she loves at her 13th Annual EcoLuxe Lounge, in celebration of the Oscars. Held on February 7th at The Beverly Hilton Hotel, the star-studded event honored film award nominees, directors, producers, other VIP talent and more!
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Looking for your latest favorite bar to meet up with friends and/or your latest dating app crush? Let us help.
Winter. Bah, who needs it?
It’s not just the weather that is hot, hot, HOT in Arizona. The foodie scene is scorching with Southwestern flair in the Grand Canyon State. And Tempe — located right next to Phoenix and home to Arizona State University as well as the Angels’ home for Spring Training — is quickly making its mark on the scene.
The stars were out on Monday night to support #Fight4TheAmazon. And you can join the fight too with a special sweepstakes, where you could even win a Tesla Model S. Keep reading for more details and be sure to click the link!
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