MSN Travel has an excellent story on its website that shows off some of the best small towns and cities of Europe.
The story lists a smaller city or village in all 46 member countries, so you’ll find something in all your favourite destinations, including Italy, France, England, Portugal and Croatia.
I must admit there are several I’d never heard of but look fabulous, such as Dinant, Belgium, Vianden, Luxembourg and Castle Combe in the delightful Cotswolds area of England, where I spent some time a few years ago. Others I know (Colmar, France, Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland and Atrani, Italy, as well as Hallstatt, Austria), but haven’t had the pleasure of visiting.
Lake Bled, Slovenia. JIM BYERS PHOTO
One of my faves on the list is Bled, Slovenia. I love the country as a whole, which has everything from rugged, alpine mountains to a Mediterranean seashore and roiling rivers. Bled is something else entirely, a village that’s gathered around the edge of a beautiful lake, with a castle high on a hill and stunning, snow-capped mountains rising up in the distance. The lake is home to a small island that has a lovely church, and there’s a nice walking path that encircles the water. You also can pay for a ride in one of the Slovenian-made, flat bottom wooden boats, called pletnas.
The lake is only an hour or so from the capital city of Ljubljana, which is a delightful spot with creamy, pastel buildings, pretty churches and a river running through the town. There’s also a small castle on a hill, which gives the town something of a Salzburg look.
I also recommend the small city of Piran, which is on the Mediterranean and feels very much like a Croatian or Italian seaside town.
TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL BRINGS A $1,000 COCKTAIL
Here’s a special treat for those with deep (very deep) pockets.
“Toronto’s TIFF season always brings out a bit of extravagance,” Yahoo Finance reports. “But one Yorkville hotel bar just raised the bar — literally. dbar, the lounge inside the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, is serving a $1,000 tableside cocktail this month, and the price includes a chauffeured ride in the hotel’s Rolls-Royce.”
The drink, called the Final Cut XO Sazerac, was created by dbar assistant manager Holly Forgrave using Rémy Martin XO Cognac and 16-year-old Lagavulin single malt Scotch whisky, finished tableside with absinthe, Peychaud’s bitters, lemon oil and sugar.
Steelhead trout at Cafe Boulud at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto. JIM BYERS PHOTO
The rest of the cost comes from the experience built around the cocktail: A ride in the hotel’s Rolls-Royce, complete with a roof lined with tiny lights made to look like constellations, good for any destination within about two kilometres of the hotel.
I don’t know that I’d spend that kind of money on a cocktail, or even a dinner, but I bet a few high rollers will take the bait.
I haven’t stayed the night at the Four Seasons, but I’ve had a few terrific meals at their Café Boulud over the years.
TOP HOTELS IN VANCOUVER
Forbes Travel has a nice piece on seven great hotels to try in Vancouver. It’s a city I’ve visited often over the years, and thoroughly enjoy. My (almost) hometown of San Francisco is beautiful, but on a nice day I think Vancouver might be the most attractive city on earth. It’s also home to some amazing hotels. Here’s the list from Forbes, with some of their thoughts and mine. I’ve also added a few other places I love to stay at when I’m in town.
FIVE-STAR HOTELS
FAIRMONT PACIFIC RIM “Get unobstructed views of the mountains and harbour from the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Fairmont Pacific Rim. One block from the waterfront downtown, this deluxe glass tower mixes modern Asian and West Coast elements while offering an extensive art program, a newly renovated Five-Star spa and several stylish restaurants and lounges that attract both travelers and locals.” The Forbes reviewer rightly singled out The Botanist as a fabulous on-site restaurant. I’ll also attest to the quality of their cocktails. The hotel is a sleek and supremely stylish place to stay.
FOUR-STAR HOTELS
FAIRMONT HOTEL VANCOUVER “The oldest of the four Fairmonts in metropolitan Vancouver, this castle-like property opened in 1939 to much fanfare, including a visit from King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. One of the grand Canadian Pacific Railway hotels built after the completion of Canada’s nationwide rail system, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver retains its stately historic ambiance, updated with the technology and amenities of a modern luxury property. In fact, the 87-year-old hotel unveiled a $55 million renovation in 2019 to its guest rooms and heritage suites, lobby and sleek Notch8 Restaurant and Bar.” Stately and welcoming, this is a hotel that makes you feel that you’re stepping into another world.
Hand-cut pasta with mushrooms at The Botanist, inside the Fairmont Pacific Rim in Vancouver. JIM BYERS PHOTO
PARADOX “In a landmark twisting skyscraper designed by late Canadian architect Arthur Erickson, Paradox Vancouver aims to be more playful and contemporary than a classic luxury hotel. With a high-end Chinese restaurant, a comprehensive spa and even a lobby pool table, this downtown property towering above West Georgia Street wants you to get out of your stylishly designed room as much as possible.” I haven’t stayed here so can’t comment.
ROSEWOOD HOTEL GEORGIA “Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Rosewood Hotel Georgia offers its guests one of the best locations for exploring the city. An iconic hotel opened in 1927, it was once a playground for movie stars of the early 20th century. The chic address underwent an overhaul in 2024. It now boasts tastefully appointed rooms with upscale touches, such as Pratesi linens and heated bathroom floors, and revamped lobby areas with a fantastic contemporary art collection.” Agree wholeheartedly. The rooms are enormous and beautifully appointed. The hotel also is home to Hawksworth Restaurant, a magnificent spot that serves some of the best cuisine in Canada.
FORBES’ RECOMMENDED HOTELS
JW MARRIOTT PARQ VANCOUVER “JW Marriott Parq Vancouver anchors the city’s entertainment destination, Parq Vancouver. A stay at this property offers you unlimited access to the urban resort’s 72,000-square-foot casino, 17th-floor spa and eight fabulous food and drink outlets.” This is a terrific hotel I quite enjoy.
THE ST. REGIS “Independent, Canadian-owned The St. Regis Hotel is a boutique beauty occupying a heritage building in the heart of Vancouver’s lively business district. It originally opened in 1913, and thanks to a vintage build, the hotel’s 65 rooms and suites each sport unique layouts.” I don’t know this place so can’t comment.
SUTTON PLACE HOTEL “From a personal concierge to a wine merchant boutique, The Sutton Place Hotelseamlessly melds European elegance, classic charm and warm hospitality to create a spectacular stay in the heart of town. The hotel also has standout dining with the chic, European-bistro-style Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar and the English-club-like, wood-paneled Gerard Lounge.” I’ve had drinks in the lounge but haven’t stayed here.
A FEW OF JIM’S PICKS
The Westin Bayshore Hotel in Vancouver. JIM BYERS PHOTO
The Fairmont Hotel at Vancouver Airport is wonderful, with spacious, quiet rooms and a great lounge. It’s connected to the airport, so it’s incredibly convenient.
The Westin Bayshore has lovely rooms and a fabulous location on the water; just steps from Stanley Park.
The Burrard is a funky, affordable spot. The rooms aren’t large, but it’s a fine budget option.
Azur Legacy Collection Hotel is another supremely stylish spot downtown.
The Loden is a lovely boutique property a few blocks from Coal Harbour and its waterfront parks.
