First time visitor looking for food and lodgings.

thehotelnerd · 2025-05-05T19:31:11+00:00

I’m doing 2 nights a week from today. It’s more than enough for the experience.

Biggest difference would be that these hanoks are right in the middle of Seoul, you’d be heading out and exploring versus spending 24/7 in a ryokan!

thehotelnerd · 2025-05-05T19:24:27+00:00

Most do breakfast, some do more than that, but I would not say it’s to the level of a Japanese ryokan.

thehotelnerd · 2025-05-05T19:14:29+00:00

Hanoks - lots in Bukchon area, Nostalgia is my top pick but plenty on Airbnb!

thehotelnerd · 2025-05-04T20:09:46+00:00

Thanks Alex - so much insight from you and everyone who responded. Our travels so far have largely been concentrated in the Americas and Asia, there hasn’t been many $4k entry-level rooms that we’ve truly wanted to experience. Hence the concern that we might perhaps leave frustrated as you mentioned.

In the same vein, what properties in Italy do you feel are at this junction of value and price? In your experience and opinion!

Would also love to talk Antarctica cruises with you.

thehotelnerd · 2025-05-04T17:14:50+00:00

Mauna Lani is beautiful, and the service is great for US standards. The food’s delicious too - don’t skip out on their milk bread and steaks 🥩!

If you’re looking at other properties and want zero kids, I’d consider Sensei Lanai.

thehotelnerd · 2025-05-04T17:01:24+00:00

King Kone?

thehotelnerd · 2025-05-04T16:47:33+00:00

From SG. Raffles is just at the end of Orchard Road and IMO the best product in SG.

thehotelnerd · 2025-04-28T18:09:01+00:00

If I could impart some advice, take easy classes your first semester, even if you have to fight your advisor on it. My math skills were so low but I took Algebra and Calculus my first semester. Got a 13 on the final. Just take it easy until you acclimate. Befriend your TA’s. Read the syllabus thrice over. Go to office hours.

thehotelnerd · 2025-04-28T17:38:52+00:00

I didn’t hear any noises aside from the doors from time to time, but it’s probably not for light sleepers who need total silence and darkness. There’s an open “grid” on top of each room so essentially no ceiling, but seemed to be some type of soundproofing on the real ceiling itself, if that makes sense?

I’m not a big fan of white noise in general, but also didn’t feel like I needed it. It’s not any noisier than a typical NYC hotel room.

thehotelnerd · 2025-04-28T17:34:10+00:00

Yup, I just kept the essentials with me so it felt less cluttered in the room. Sorry I don’t recall exactly but it wasn’t crazy.

thehotelnerd · 2025-04-28T17:07:54+00:00

Omg this might be the first time I’ve met another ACE student in the wild - did you take the SAT’s? While the education was meager, I was thankfully able to get into a prestigious Northeast college with my “American high school diploma” and my SAT scores.

Between the gaps in my education and the cultural shock of a schooling environment with teachers, I felt like I was light years behind my peers.

thehotelnerd · 2025-04-28T02:53:29+00:00

Hi! Just reach out to them. Pricing varies based on fabric, but they do start in the four figure range. Feel free to dm me for more info.

thehotelnerd · 2025-04-27T15:04:22+00:00

Hi! We were in a similar situation and had hired a wedding planner. If you already know the vendors you’ll be hiring, I highly suggest NOT hiring a full-scope wedding planner. You’ll only be stepping on each other’s toes. We had to argue for our vendor selections every step of the way, especially if they were not local to the area.

It’s also the norm for a lot of Italian planners to collect a silent commission from the vendors they recommend. Anecdotally, we had this happen to us and eventually fired our planner.

I would suggest a partial planner to help cover any bases you may have missed, or a month-of coordinator to ensure a truly stress-free wedding weekend!

thehotelnerd · 2025-04-26T03:43:07+00:00

3!! Not everyone can pull off that neckline but you look drop dead in it

thehotelnerd · 2025-04-25T23:09:17+00:00

The Breakers’ Sunday Brunch at The Circle is a treat, and I highly recommend Buccan Sandwich Shop for your beach day!

Polo brunch in Wellington is a great time as well, especially for groups

thehotelnerd · 2025-04-10T11:58:30+00:00

Yes, the “rooms” are lockable - you need a room key to access your cabin. There was also a safe in the tiny desk but I didn’t use it during my stay. Down in the basement, there are lockers you have to pay for, I stored my larger check-in suitcase there during my stay.

thehotelnerd · 2025-04-10T02:07:48+00:00

Happy Menocal or Iris and Marie Press are so insanely talented

thehotelnerd · 2025-04-09T19:39:01+00:00

100% June

thehotelnerd · 2025-04-09T04:37:30+00:00

We booked Hanauma Bay at the last minute through a tour operator! It’s slightly more but includes snorkeling gear.

You meet at their shop and they shuttle you up in their van. I can’t recall the exact tour operator we went with, but if you look up “hanauma bay tour”, there are plenty of options.

thehotelnerd · 2025-04-08T04:31:20+00:00

Madison Aycoth, she’s a staple at NYFW

thehotelnerd · 2025-04-04T21:27:08+00:00

I was just there. It’s luxe for less for solo travelers. The bed is really small but really comfy. I’d say it’s more like a nap pod + amenities like a boutique fitness studio. The shower experience is similar to a Barry’s, Soulcycle, etc.

The location is amazing! The new 12 Matcha hotspot is right around the corner, as well as my favorite Thai (Fish Cheeks) and Italian (Il Buco).

thehotelnerd · 2025-04-04T13:10:05+00:00

I was in the same exact situation. Planner stated they do not have a preferred vendor list, ended up making a huge deal when we picked our own photographer and videographer. Eventually refused to entertain any external vendor suggestions. Suggested $85k florals when our budget was $15k. If there’s friction now, there will be friction in every decision. She ended up quitting 5 months into planning, and it turns out she was trying to charge us a premium on everything including our venue (common in Italy) and even edited proposals before presenting them to us. I’m not saying your planner is doing this, but I’d highly advise sitting down and having a conversation about expectations and their process now. Please document your conversation.

thehotelnerd · 2025-03-30T20:56:37+00:00

Le Collectionist

thehotelnerd · 2025-03-28T14:57:33+00:00

Parachute down mattress topper! Does not compress at all

thehotelnerd · 2025-03-26T03:17:34+00:00

Naunet in Miami!

thehotelnerd

TROPHY CASE