LEFTBANKED.

11.14.2013

360. Paris | Snapshots

I decided to go to Paris for several days at the end of my trip to London, right before coming back to Toronto. As many of you probably know already, Paris is my favourite city in the world. I always feel like I'm in a dream when I'm there. & I never want to leave. I miss it a lot now when I look through these photos. It's also impossible to take a bad photo there..the entire city is just so beautiful! Here's some random shots:

I was so excited to have found these! Saw them in a shop window right before meeting a friend for lunch, then went back immediately to buy them afterwards. I LOVE the balloon dogs by Jeff Koons. These are obviously not originals but will do for now. This photo was taken on my hotel room balcony.

Sadaharu Aoki is one of my favourite patisseries. I visited last time in Paris as well (& posted about it here)

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This post archived in: Travel

359. London | Rydges Kensington Hotel

Rydges Kensington
61 Gloucester Road
London SW7 4PE
United Kingdom
T: +44 (0)20 7584 8100
The Rydges Kensington was one of the hotels I stayed at in London last month. I really enjoyed my stay here and would definitely return. The location is excellent. It's about a 3min walk from Gloucester Road station, and walkable distance (~15min) to Kensington Gardens, museums (V&A, Natural History), Harrods, South Kensington, Chelsea, numerous great restaurants and shops. It's a centrally located hotel for some of my favourite areas of the city.

Here is the exterior. One thing I didn't really like was the small entrance. It's a few steps up then a (non-automatic) door which was a bit tricky to get in with all my luggage.

The staff here were very friendly and helpful. I arrived here a couple hours early, and they were able to accommodate an earlier check-in for me. They're also great at giving directions and recommendations for places to go around the area.

My room was an "Executive King Room". I loved it! It was very clean and bright with amenities such as a Bluetooth media hub, Uno phone, cozy bathrobes, heated towel rack, espresso machine, magazines, etc. Unfortunately there was an extra charge for WiFi.

View from the elevator area

The buffet-style breakfast had fruit cups and a small selection of pastries.

Dinner at their cozy Polo Bar

The burger was delicious!

Rates: Starting around £200 for Standard Rooms and £249 for Executive Rooms. Click here to book!

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This post archived in: Reviews

358. London | Tower Bridge

One night in London, I met up with an old friend for quick drinks at Bonds - the bar at Threadneedles Hotel. Then we went up The Shard to Oblix lounge. I love living in a high-rise, which is something London doesn't have a lot of. I found out that The Shard will have residences someday..it's my dream to live there!! After Oblix I took a long walk by myself along The Queen's Walk to Tower Bridge. Some photos from that night: