Lipstick Lifestyle

Renowned for its scenic beauty and endless opportunities for outdoor activities, Vancouver is also a cosmopolitan city boasting fine dining, museums, galleries, music and theatre, and of course, shopping. And despite what you may have heard – it does not always rain in Vancouver.

SLEEP
At the very heart of the city is The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, lovingly referred to as the “Grand Lady.” This four-diamond property offers elegant guestrooms and suites, three restaurants, a full service day spa, state-of-the-art health club and indoor pool.

One of Vancouver’s funkiest areas, Yaletown, is the home of the Opus Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel with a stylish and intimate environment. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself rubbing shoulders with actors and musicians during your stay.

Our budget best bet is the Best Western Downtown Vancouver with its convenient location and friendly service. You’re only steps away from all the action.

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We love New York City. And no matter if it’s for 24 hours or for a week (heavenly!) jump in and don’t expect to get any sleep!

GETTING AROUND
NYC is definitely a walking city, but don’t hesitate to take transit – its affordable, clean and safe, and when the taxis disappear from 4-6pm, it’s the best option to get downtown.

SLEEP
The Gramercy Park Hotel is old-style NYC mixed with modern flourishes in a boutique hotel. W Hotel Midtown is a sleek bargain for a great locale mid-Manhattan. For budget conscious, subscribe to Quikbook for its weekly hotel deals newsletter.

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Be prepared for two things in New Orleans: unrelenting humidity and constant gracious hospitality.

SLEEP
In the French Quarter, make your base the modern boutique W Hotel or classic Andrew Jackson Hotel, both imbued with New Orleans style. For the budget-friendly, consider a guest house: Garden District’s St. Charles Guest House features a beautiful porch for afternoon cocktails while Dauphine House, located on the eastern side of the quarter in Faubourg Marigny, features a resto/bar area close to hot spots Snug Harbour, The Praline Connection and Café Brasil.

EAT
Start your day at Café du Monde for café au lait and beignets on Decatur Street and a stroll along the Moon Walk (named after a former mayor) which lies beside the mighty Mississippi River. The Quarter provides lots of fun spots for lunch: Central Grocery for a muffaletta, the New Orleans version of an Italian subway sandwich or Red Fish Grill for local fish and seafood specialities. For a mid-afternoon break or early evening cocktails, head to historic Napoleon House for a Pimm’s Cup cocktail in the courtyard or to the Court of Two Sisters for a glass of wine. A stroll around Jackson Square or along Bourbon Street will give you a dose of local street performers and artists. K Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen or Emeril Lagasse’s NOLA are mid-price choices, for fine dining head to Antoine’s for classic French or modern Stella! for nouveau creole.

SHOP
Mardi Gras masks or parasols can be found along Canal Street, while for the best selection of local jazz, make a beeline to the Louisiana Music Factory. For serious shoppers head uptown to Magazine Street. From antique shops to funky clothing, with a good dose of cafes, bars and art galleries, Magazine Street is a credit card magnet: Dirty Coast (t-shirts), Spring (women’s clothing), Red Carpet (women’s clothing) and Ruby (denim). Bellanoche and Hazelnut (home décor) will encourage you to redecorate, while Belladonna and Empire will fuel anyone’s love of the dusty antique shoppe.

“Laissez le Bon temp rouler!” - as they say in New Orleans.

Photo credits: Magazine Street sign - NewOrleansOnline.com and Jean-Paul Gisclair
French Quarter - NewOrleansOnline.com