Stephanie Serino's Travel Blog

I had a wonderful time listening to Christine Ebersole performing "The End of the World as We Know It Cabaret" at the Cafe Carlyle . The show was amazing — my favorite numbers were Irving Berlin's "Get Thee Behind Me Satan" and the Depression-era classic "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" but her version of Cole Porter's "Blow Gabriel Blow" was triumphant. It was thrilling to see her in such an intimate setting, and we were only a few tables away from Diane von Furstenberg and Barry Diller. The show is playing through February 25. The view from Suite 2801 Before the show, I was able to tour The Carlyle and inspect many of its suites with panoramic Central Park views (the very best in the city). Each room is individually decorated with lots of antiques (some traditional in style, some more art deco), so let me know your preferences when making a reservation. (Note: Not all rooms have a modern bath.) After the tour (but before the...

You're invited to set sail with me this summer on Crystal Cruises ' " Journey of the Czars ." The Crystal Symphony departs from Stockholm on July 23, 2012 for an 11-night Baltic cruise ending in  Copenhagen on August 3.  With overnights in both Stockholm and Copenhagen, and three full days in St. Petersburg, this is an amazing itinerary. It will be a pleasure hosting this Signature group on such a fabulous ship! Click here for more information . I'll be happy to answer your questions, just call me at 607-279-1734.

I am excited to announce an important change in my business that will have significant benefits both for you and for me: I have joined the Tzell Travel Group , one of the nation’s largest travel management companies. You will continue to receive the same personal service from me you've come to expect, and I think you’ll be impressed by the additional perks and discounts I can now offer you through Tzell's resources. MY NEW EMAIL ADDRESS IS:  sserino@tzell.com . The phone remains the same: (607) 279-1734. Please update your contact information for me now. I will not receive emails sent to the old address, so be sure to delete the Linden and FROSCH email addresses from your address book and be careful when sending that your computer doesn't automatically send it to FROSCH. After a couple times your computer will get used to my new address. Headquartered at Times Square in New York City, Tzell currently has 1,200 employees companywide with 72 location...

Welcome to Rosewood Mayakoba Our visit to Rosewood Mayakoba started like an ordinary trip. After a quick four-hour flight from Newark, we arrived in Cancun. Customs and Immigration went smoothly, and our driver met us just outside the exit and escorted us to a waiting SUV. Cold-scented towels, bottled water and soft drinks refreshed us for the 30-minute ride to the resort in the Mayan Riviera. Check-in took place in their open-air lobby, and then we boarded the resort’s boat and left the familiar behind. The cruise along the verdant lagoon was tranquil, with exotic water birds taking flight on our approach. Modern, cube-like bungalows were scattered along the shoreline. Where are on earth were we? My heated plunge pool on the lagoon The boat docked right at my room, where steps led up to my private deck. First thing I saw was the private plunge pool (thank you) and double lounger overlooking the lagoon.  My butler met me inside to show off the Deluxe Overwater L...

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...