In the soft heat of a Havana morning, I trot up the steps at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba. As I reach the top stoop, the doors gently breeze open and I enter the lobby. A world of the past awaits. Grand chandeliers deluge the sharp white walls with light and the tile floors glisten beneath my feet. Mahogany furnishings adorn … [Read more…]
Yellow and blue patterned tiles mark the entrance of Casa Lucía Boutique Hotel & Yoga Retreat, its deep blue walls setting it apart from the other buildings on a quiet residential street in Granada, Nicaragua. The metal door swings open and I step into the lobby, enjoying the relief from the hot Nicaraguan sun. Drenched … [Read more…]
From the cobblestone street in Antigua, Guatemala, the canary yellow façade of the San Rafael Hotel does little to stand out, adhering to the historic standards of the UNESCO World Heritage list. I press the button and the dark wood door swings open revealing inside a secret garden of beauty – citrus trees fill an … [Read more…]
Church bells clang, railroad tracks rattle and laughter leaps down the street. On a Sunday morning, the sounds of San Jose, Costa Rica waft through the gated window in my room at Hotel Colonial, landing on my bed along with the sun’s warm rays.
Located at the base of Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna is one of Costa Rica’s top visited destinations. The small city is located less than 20 kilometers from the entrance to Arenal Volcano National Park and provides picturesque views of this stunning Costa Rican landmark. For budget accommodation near Arenal volcano, I recommend staying at a … [Read more…]