A travel diary brewed with caffeine and curiosity—Christine’s favorite stays, one check-in at a time.
Hotels are one of my greatest travel indulgences. The right stay can shape an entire trip—through history, design, location, or hospitality. After visiting 70+ countries (and counting toward 100!), these are the places that feel like home anywhere in the world.
🌍 The Hotels That Stole My Heart
🕌 Hagia Sophia Mansions Curio by Hilton — Istanbul
Just steps from the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, this stay feels like living in the shadow of empires. I woke before dawn to the call to prayer and wandered quiet courtyards before the crowds arrived—pure magic.
🌊 Sheraton Grand Rio Hotel & Resort — Leblon, Rio de Janeiro
Where beach bliss meets city energy. A private beach with complimentary training on the sand, and sunset strolls toward Ipanema. Samba rhythms + caipirinhas = perfection.
🏰 Mission Inn Hotel & Spa — Riverside, California
A surprise gem. Spanish Mission arches, courtyards around every corner, and during the holidays it turns into a glittering storybook.
🌺 St. Regis Princeville — Kauai
The view of Hanalei Bay from the infinity pool is almost unreal. Add St. Regis’ signature butler service and you’ll wish days lasted longer.
🎭 Hotel Danieli — Venice, Italy
Feel like Venetian royalty: chandeliers, marble staircases, and lagoon views that look straight out of a film. Venice already feels like a dream—the Danieli makes it unforgettable.
🎬 W Hollywood — Los Angeles
In the middle of the action. Rooftop pool, neon nights, and views of the Hollywood sign—pure fun with flair.
🌴 W Bali — Seminyak
Tropical luxury with a party soul: infinity pools, beachfront sunsets, and DJ beats under the stars. I’ve stayed in both the main hotel and private villas—each its own kind of perfection.
🏄♀️ Shorebreak Resort — Huntington Beach, California
Laid-back, sun-drenched joy. Beach bonfires, salty hair, and that first cup of coffee watching the morning sets roll in.
☀️ Hotel Fasano — Rio de Janeiro
Chic and effortless. The rooftop pool over Ipanema might be one of the best views in the world.
👨👩👧👦 Family Favorites — Built for Wonder
🐠 Atlantis — Bahamas
A paradise for kids (and the young at heart). Water slides, aquariums, and endless pools make it an underwater adventure land. Watching little ones see sharks and stingrays for the first time? Pure wonder.
🎅 Christmas Inn — Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Like stepping into a snow globe—year-round. Cozy, kitschy, and full of cheer. Sometimes travel is about joy as much as luxury.
☕ Final Boarding Call
These hotels gave me more than a bed—they gave me stories, connections, and coffee moments I’ll never forget. Wherever I check in next, I’m reminded why I love travel: every door opens to a new perspective… and, hopefully, a perfect sunrise view.
— Christine Santos, Owner of Boarding Pass Coffee