Stephanie Serino's Travel Blog

We interrupt this South America coverage to review my night at the Waldorf Towers in New York on September 29, 2011. This is the residential part of the legendary Waldorf Astoria and is perfect for extended stays or when you want more space than the typical NY room (which can be as small as a “New York minute” is fast). Click here for my photos .  My Luxury Suite at the Waldorf Towers My  Luxury Suite was huge and had a Park Avenue view. The décor was traditional but with modern amenities: iPod docking station, flat-screen TV, etc.   A grand foyer complete with chandelier led to the living room, which had ample space for entertaining with a sofa and plush chair. There was also a desk and the dining area had a table for two.   Then a corridor led to the Bedroom, but closer inspection revealed a wet bar, full size fridge, and cabinets stocked with glassware, etc. The bedroom had a very comfortable King bed and an antiqu...

Hotel das Cataratas, Iguaçu Falls, Brazil The penultimate stay on our whirlwind tour of South America was at Hotel das Cataratas , an Orient Express hotel within Iguaçu National Park on the Brazilian side of Iguaçu Falls. Once again, we arrived late after a really long day of travel. It was too dark to see the falls upon arrival, but the elegant lobby and comfy leather sofas were immediately calming. Click here for my photos . Our Deluxe rooms were special. The décor was warm and bright with dark woods and tropical accents.  I especially admired the exquisite Orient Express closet. The bathroom featured traditional Azulejos painted tiles that were ever so pretty. After a quick change, we met our hosts on the veranda for Caipirinhas. (p ronounced 'KIE-PUR- REEN -YAH'). These Brazilian cocktails are made with Cachaca (sugar-cane rum), limes and sugar and taste refreshingly delicious. Click here for the recipe (but beware of the second caipirinha ). ...

Welcome to the Four Seasons Buenos Aires The final stay of our whirlwind trip to South America was at the Four Seasons Buenos Aires . We arrived late after a long day of travel and had very little time to freshen up for dinner at 10pm.  We went to our Junior Suites to discover a delicious chocolate welcome amenity, which was a needed pick-me-up. Sadly, there were no coffee makers in the room and I didn’t have time for room service.  It was a large room (646 square feet) with the bedroom separated from the living area by a large TV armoire thing. The room décor was attractive in a subdued hotel way, but there were evocative tango paintings on the walls. The furniture was comfortable and looked expensive. Thoughtful touches, like the electric converter in the desk drawer, were appreciated.  The walk-in closet was very well designed. After I surveyed the room and took some photos, I needed to quickly get ready. At that point of our journey, the dark c...

Hotel das Cataratas at Iguassu Falls, Brazil I'm packing today for my upcoming trip to South America. It will be an amazing trip! We're staying at some wonderful properties: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel , and Aranwa Hotel in Cusco, Peru; Hotel das Cataratas at Iguassu Falls in Brazil; and the Four Seasons in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I will be out of the office from Friday, September 16, through Monday, September 26 (I’ll be back at my desk on Tuesday, September 27). While I will be checking email and voicemail, I won't have much time to assist clients; so if you need immediate assistance, please call my colleague Dorothy Campagna in the FROSCH NY office at 212-404-6300.

FROSCH , as a member of Signature Travel Network , is now able to offer Food Network Travel guided vacations in Italy , France and Northern California . Launching in 2012 and open for booking this August, these tour packages complement the previously launched Caribbean and Mediterranean Food Network at Sea cruises. Food Network Travel’s guided vacations will be operated by Trafalgar and have been developed in association with Signature Travel Network and Food Network to bring FROSCH ’s foodie clients on highly customized culinary land vacations as seen through the lens of Food Network. Vacations include a Food Network tour director, first-class hotel accommodations and exclusive ‘By-Invitation-Only’ experiences that only Food Network can offer. Guests will sample favorite dishes and visit favorite spots of Food Network stars as seen on such shows as Diners, Drive-ins and Dives and Best Thing I Ever Ate . Guests will visit markets and wineries; meet chefs; and even ...

Of all the mega-ships that have launched in the last few years (and they are legion), Celebrity Cruises ’ Solstice-class ships are my personal favorites. Sexy design, thoughtful staterooms, a fabulous spa, and appealing restaurants are all welcome ship amenities in my book. Celebrity Cruises is not a luxury line, but this 'Premium' cruise experience is a very good value. The Celebrity Eclipse debuted in April 2010 and like her Solstice-class sisters ( Celebrity Solstice 2008, Celebrity Equinox 2009, Celebrity Silhouette 2011 and coming in 2012 is Celebrity Reflection ) she has unique features like the Lawn Club (croquet anyone?). Lawn Club I had an opportunity to tour her in Florida this year, and fell madly in love with the decor. Stylish and contemporary, each public room had delightful details that invited me to join the fun.  Every chair beckoned me to 'sit here!' Whimsical lighting features almost winked at me. I was charmed.   Order from an iPad me...

The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale ’s “Vacation Like a VIP Package” was featured on the Today Show this morning.  I toured the resort this April and loved it (here are my photos ). The "Vacation like a VIP" summer package includes all of the following amenities: Buy an Intracoastal View room and receive an upgrade to a Partial Ocean View room at the time of booking  $100.00 Resort Credit, once per stay, to be used in the Food and Beverage outlets or Spa Complimentary Valet parking  $25 American Express Gift Card, provided by the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB Super Summer 2-4-1 savings card, visit www.sunny.org/supersummer  for details on this savings card.  FROSCH clients will also receive these exclusive amenities: Complimentary continental breakfast for two daily Pre-registration & express check-in Late check-out (complimentary 4pm departure, if available) Travel between June 1, 2011 and October 15, 2011 with the minimum 2 night stay requirem...