Grana Bnb

Grana Bnb is a bed and breakfast conveniently located in the heart of Oaxaca City. Grana Bnb offers a special energy that really leans in to the spirit of a traveler. What impressed me the most about this property was the attention to detail and the beautiful colorful touch of Oaxacan culture that was incorporated into interior of the space. If you are visiting Oaxaca, Mexico soon and looking for accommodation, keep reading to see all that Grana Bnb has to offer!

The property:

Grana Bnb in set in an 18th century mansion that has been renovated and decorated with a special Oaxacan touch. The property has two main floors dedicated to rooms and suites, a rooftop with stunning mountain views of Oaxaca, and an open courtyard in the middle of it all providing natural light and a space to soak in the Mexican sun. The interior of the space welcomes you into the most tranquil environment insuring that you will have a comfortable stay.

The Location:

Grana Bnb is conveniently located in the middle of Oaxaca City. Just a few steps outside of the property will lead you to some of the most famous restaurants and bars in Oaxaca and within walking distance of some of the cities well known attractions and markets. Unless you plan to leave the city center, a taxi or car will not be necessary as everything you could need is within walking distance of the property.

The Price:

The price ranges from $155 USD to $328 USD a night depending on the room you select. The rates  include a daily Oaxacan breakfast and free yoga class offered every Tuesday and Thursday.

The Features:

•  Mexican and Continental breakfast
• Wifi access
• Bilingual staff
• Tour information
• Personal hosting services
• 24/7 assistance
• Pet friendly property
• Medical service upon request
• Complimentary yoga
• Rooftop terrace
• Meditation studio

To book your next stay visit http://www.granabnb.com

Casa Cleta

As mentioned in a previous blog post, I always search for beautiful Airbnbs to stay in whenever I travel somewhere new. In my research Mexico has consistently blown me away with home architecture and design. This summer I traveled to Oaxaca, Mexico and decided to stay at Casa Cleta. Casa Cleta is an airbnb about 10 mins outside of Oaxaca City Center in a beautiful area known as San Felipe del Agua. 

What initially caught my eye about Casa Cleta was the beauty within the simplicity of this space. It had given off and airy relaxed feel that was instantly comforting. Here are some key points to get to know about this beautiful Airbnb: 

The Design:

Originally, Casa Cleta was a bakery coffee shop/architecture studio as "bread" shops were the only business allowed to operate during covid. I was not aware of this prior to my stay but now that I have this knowledge I can see that.

Casa Cleta is broken up into two structures. The living area that is complete with a lounge, kitchen, half bathroom and library nook. Before entering the bedroom, you will walk outside onto a charming mini courtyard/patio that is complete with fairy lights, a hammock, patio seating and beautiful greenery. After a few steps are taken onto the courtyard you will meet the French style doors that will welcome you to the bedroom which is a little studio complete with a full bathroom. The division of the living space from the bedroom was my favorite feature. I love that it suggests that the bedroom is solely for sleeping.

The Price:

Casa Cleta is listed for under $100 a night. Which is an amazing value considering the space this structure provides. The extra fees were also not excessive.

The Location:

Casa Cleta is located about 10 mins outside of the city center of Oaxaca City. To get to the city center, you could request a taxi or DiDi. While it is not very far at all, I did find it a bit difficult during certain times to request a Didi but there are taxi services you can call by phone to book. By foot, you can expect to walk about 45 mins to the city center.

I highly recommend walking around the neighborhood as there are many breath taking, picturesque sights to view. The area is a nice break from the busy streets of the city center and literally feels like you are an oasis. Casa Cleta appears to be an up and coming area but there are plenty of little mercados and restaurants around.

               

I must mention, the host Andrea, was very accommodating and made checking in a breeze! She also  provides a clipboard full of recommendations around the area and surrounding parts on how to get around, where to eat, and how to access various parts of the airbnb. A great touch! 

If you are planning your next trip to Oaxaca, no need to sift through a bunch of subpar listings, consider Casa Cleta for the your most comfortable stay.

(Casa Cleta Airbnb Listing)

Your guide to San Juan, Puerto Rico

 

As we entered into the new year, I had great anticipation to plan my first trip of the year. As often, I knew I wanted to travel to a destination that was rich in culture, has unique architectural character, and of course warmer weather. My only dilemma was that my passport was in the process of being renewed and I could not leave the country. Fortunately, there were still plenty of options that would provide what I was looking for in a destination without having to wait for the arrival of my new passport. The United States has a few island territories that you can travel to without having a passport as long as you are a US citizen. So I chose to come to the beautiful Caribbean island known as Puerto Rico.

In this blog post, I will be sharing what I learned and experienced in my 3 short day visit to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Getting there:

To travel To Puerto Rico as an American citizen, a passport will not be necessary. As of March 2023, a positive covid test or proof of vaccination is not required upon entry.

What to pack:

For clothing I highly recommend bringing breathable clothing as Puerto Rico has a humid and tropical climate. If you plan to spend hours walking around Old San Juan or the El Yunque Rainforest, I highly suggest brining some sort of open toed water/trekking shoes with secure straps such as Tevas. I purchased an off brand version from Walmart for just under $10! Here is a checklist of more items you should consider bringing along your trip:

Umbrella- It rains quite often and at unpredictable times 

Bug spray- A must if you plan to visit the rainforest 

Sunscreen- An essential for those prone to sun burns! 

Day bag/backpack- Convenient if you plan on bringing camera equipment or plan to head to the waterfalls. 

Sunglasses- 

Swimsuit- For the many beautiful beaches surrounding the island.

Reusable water bottle- It is so important to stay hydrated in warm clients. You may be able to find drinking fountains at tourist attractions.

Currency:

The only currency used in Puerto Rico is the United States bill. Many established business take Debit/Credit card but I recommend carrying cash as I believe the locals prefer it especially for local street vendors.

The language:

Despite Puerto Rico being a US territory, Spanish is commonly spoken throughout the island. I suggest learning common/basic phrases in the language before traveling as it would be greatly appreciated by the locals!

Getting Around:

Uber is one of the most convenient and efficient way to get around San Juan. If you are commuting from areas such as Condado or Santurce to Old San Juan, you can expect to pay under $15 depending on the time of day or pick up location. When taking an uber, and if the vibes are right, chat with your driver! They most likely know the island better than most and can provide you with some amazing tips and reccomendations!

Car Rental- If you plan to explore the entire island or take a day trip to El Yunque, I recommend that you rent a car. It will make the most sense for your pockets and prices for gas are extremely reasonable. Parking is not very convenient in Old San Juan as streets tend to be narrow and busy. Although, there are designated parking spots that offer a flat fee for the day.

Where to stay:

If you consider yourself to be a "modest" traveller, there are plenty of hotels and resorts to stay in San Juan. The well known area for tourists is located in Condado. If you are more of an adventurous traveler that wants a more local experience, I highly recommend exploring Airbnbs or boutique style accommodations outside of Condado in the neighboring area known as Santurce. In my previous blog post, I have an in depth review on a boutique style Airbnb I stayed in that I highly recommend. (DW by Dreamcatcher)

What to do and see:

• Visit Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristobal
• Explore the beautiful beaches
• Curatel De Ballaja
• Try the original Pina Colada at Barrachina 
• El Yunque Rainforest
• Enjoy authentic Puerto Rican food
• Museo de arte de Puerto Rico
• La Placita for nightlife
• Walk around Old San Juan
• Book a Bacardi tour

Overall, my experience in San Juan was one not to forget. I am already planning for my return as I want to explore various parts of the island and learn more about the culture and land. If you would like to see more visuals, be sure to check out my San Juan highlight on my Instagram page! (Instagram)

A unique Airbnb experience in San Juan Puerto Rico ft Dreamers Welcome

 

To kick off my travels for the year, I decided to venture off to San Juan, Puerto Rico. A destination that has been on my radar for so many reasons. When traveling within the mainland of the United States,  often times I prefer to stay in hotels rather than BnBs. Don't get me wrong, I have come across amazing listings but they tend to be scarce, expensive, and tacked on with extra fees. Although Puerto Rico is considered to be a U.S. territory, I was still able to find plenty of beautiful and unique stays that I would have not have found on the mainland.

One Airbnb that really caught my eye was by a group called "Dreamers Welcome". Unique and luxurious short term rentals located across the island of Puerto Rico. What initially lured me in when viewing their properties was the beautiful simplicity and attention to detail. Dreamers Welcome offers various villas with private rooms each offering a different unique theme.

We decided to choose villa "Dada Jaja", Apt DA2. A 1 bedroom 1 bath unit complete with a living space and an en-suite open kitchen. The interior of this unit is vibrant with warm hues of mustard yellow, orange and olive green. The aesthetic inside gives off a japandi, retro, and modern vintage feel that transforms the space into a different element.  To be honest, it was not my first choice as I tend to be more so attracted to muted, neutral colors; but ended up being very pleased and impressed with our choice. 

This Airbnb is located in an area in San Juan called Santurce. Santurce belongs to a beachside community about 4 miles from the bustling area known as Condado. This area was far from cliche or "touristy" as the streets remained calm and surrounded by locals. We were also pleased to find that their exclusively vegan hotel "Dream Catcher by DW" was only located within 10 mins walk from us and conveniently only a few meters from Ocean Park Beach.

My time in Puerto Rico came to an end too soon but I know when I make a return to this beautiful island I will be booking my accommodation with Dreamers Welcome once again. Special thanks to the staff inside of the Dream Catcher hotel for their genuine hospitality and kindness!

"We are sunshine for the senses. Minimal. Tropical. A way of living that reminds you how to travel. A way of travel that reminds you how to live" - Dreamers Welcome
 

Luxury meets comfort in Kansas City ft Loews Hotel

 

Loews is one of Kansas City's newest luxury hotels offering some of the best views of downtown. This hotel offers just about everything you could need in an ideal stay. The hotel's modern character, attention to detail, and attentive hospitality really stood out to me upon arrival. Loews is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Kansas City, just within walking distance of the Power and Light District and right next to major connecting highways. The room I stayed in was a king suite which provided a spacious cozy layout, a large work space and lounge and of course an amazing view over looking the city. While touring and exploring the walls within Loews, I was shocked by all the amenities and offerings this new chic hotel has to cater. Here is a list of amenities ands offerings below:

• 800 guestrooms, including 47 luxury suites
• A lobby bar and restaurant (The Stilwell)
• Rooftop bar (The Horsefeather) 
• A "grab and go" coffee shop (Red Wheat Baking Co)
• Salt water lap pool
• 60,000 square feet of meeting and event space (largest ballroom in the city!)
• State of the art fitness center
• Luxury spa- coming soon
• Complimentary Business Center- coming soon

If you are traveling to Kansas City and looking for a luxury stay and optimal relaxation, look no further for your next hotel accommodation. If you are a Kansas City local looking for that perfect classy night out definitely consider Bar Stilwell for delicious food and uniquely crafted cocktails.

A staycation in Kansas City with 21C Boutique Hotel

 

I was first introduced to the 21C hotel from a business traveller years ago. I had no clue such a unique concept existed here in downtown Kansas City. Fast forward to today, I had was granted an opportunity to a staycation here. 

When choosing accommodation while traveling or staycationing I evaluate about three things. Location, aesthetics, and amenities. All of these personal requirements were met when it came to 21C. The location was conveniently located in the lower downtown area of Kansas City nestled right in between the Power and Light district, River Market and just a walks distance to the city's free streetcar. If you are bringing a vehicle, there are no private lots or garages associated with the hotel but lots of convenient street parking available.

For the most part, a lot of Kansas City's exterior architecture has a lot of historical age, but has been well preserved and repurposed such as the building 21C resides in. The interior is contemporary yet modern. I stayed in a corner suite which was spacious with natural lighting flooding into the living area. The room had elements of gold and shades of purple which gave off a subtle royal glam vibe. (click here for room tour)

What makes 21C so unique and different from most hotels is that it doubles as a contemporary museum showcasing rotating art installations, exhibitions, and cultural programming from artists all around the world. This concept serves as perfect way to kill time in between your daily activities or a way to stay entertained without leaving the property in the case of inclement weather or just out of leisurely convenience. The art work is displayed as soon as you walk into the entrance with a vibrant installation followed by various pieces showcased near the front desk and in multiple venue rooms located on both the first and second floor of the hotel. 

Attached to 21C you will find The Savoy, one of the oldest restaurants in Kansas City. The savoy offers a sophisticated contemporary dinner experience providing high quality and locally sourced ingredients to curate unique dishes inspired by chefs cooking experiences from around the world. 

The ambience of The Savoy transforms you into a world of nuance with preserved decor from the early 20th century combined with modern chic pieces. You can even find a plaque marking former US president, Harry S Trumans favorite spot which is a booth located centered in the restaurant. This dining experience was like none I have ever experience before. 

Overall, If you are looking for an accommodation in Kansas City for your next staycation/getaway with something unique to offer, I can not recommend 21C enough!

    

My First Solo Travel Experience in NYC

In the midst of this period our world is navigating, where many aspects of our lives have come to a standstill, I find comfort in reflecting on moments that once brought joy and excitement. Travel, a passion that has temporarily been set aside, has led me to delve into cherished memories. Today, I am thrilled to recount and share with you the enchanting tale of my first experience in the vibrant city that never sleeps—New York City.

Day 1

This was my very first solo trip. I arrived in NYC on a Friday morning, enjoying the thrill of a window seat as I flew over the iconic borough of Manhattan. Eager to embrace the city like a true New Yorker, I followed the lead of the locals and purchased a metro card. I then took a bus to a subway station in Queens and made my way to my hotel in midtown Manhattan. I was essentially winging it, but I can confidently say that I navigated my first solo airport/bus/subway combo flawlessly.

I struggled up the narrow stairs with my rolling carry-on luggage and made it out of the humid subway station. I had finally arrived. I was in the heart of Manhattan and was that tourist who had to stop, look up at the skyscrapers around me, and take it all in. The ground was wet, and the sky was gloomy. Google Maps had told me my hotel was about a 5-minute walking distance, so I walked and walked and walked. I must have passed my hotel at least three times before I actually realized I was basically standing right across the street from it. It had also started to rain.

Annoyed, I checked into a very tiny hotel room on the 5th floor, greeted by a rather lackluster view of The Waldorf Astoria. Despite the disappointment, I couldn't help but associate the scenery with Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl, making it a very NYC moment for me, LOL. I won't lie; with the inclement weather and feeling like a complete idiot for struggling to find my hotel, I was starting to feel discouraged. I began to question if coming to this big city alone was a mistake. In need of an outlet, I FaceTimed my best friend to vent and laid in bed hopelessly. After about an hour, I realized I had a choice. Since it was still early in the morning, I got myself ready, put on a cute outfit, and decided to embark on my exploration of the city.

I had a lot on my NYC 'bucket list,' but I had no clue where to start, so naturally, I just began walking. I found myself truly in the heart of Manhattan and didn't realize that the most iconic spots were just within walking distance from my hotel. My first stop, which I stumbled upon, was a random market. As I made my way through to the end of the market, I walked into what happened to be Grand Central Terminal—an unexpectedly grand surprise that I could easily cross off my list.

I decided to indulge in some window shopping and made my way to the iconic 5th Avenue, filled with a wide range of retailers (both expensive and familiar) and hotels. On the way there, I stumbled upon St. Patrick's Cathedral, and let me tell you, the architecture of the building was unreal—definitely a must-see! It is also open to the public for a free peek inside! During this walk, I also came across Rockefeller Center, Radio City Hall, and the Empire State Building. All accessible on foot if you stay along 5th Ave.

At night, I was ready to dive into the NYC nightlife scene. I discovered a rooftop bar called the Press Lounge, boasting what had to be the best views of the city. And, of course, I treated myself to a classic Manhattan. This spot is definitely a must-add to your list.

 View and cocktail from the Press Lounge

Day 2

I don't think I was prepared for the amount of walking I did this day. After hopping on the subway and making my way down to Brooklyn without a specific plan, I decided to head straight for the Brooklyn Bridge. Stretching about a mile long, the walk took about an hour, and although crowded, the breathtaking views and photo opportunities made it entirely worth it. As soon as you reach the end, you find yourself back in Manhattan.

The weather was beautiful, so I continued walking from the end of the bridge all the way to Chinatown. Along the way, I couldn't help but appreciate the captivating NYC architecture—an aspect of the city that I adore. In Chinatown, I didn't have anything specific in mind; I just wanted to experience it and casually observe the abundance of designer knockoffs on every street corner. I stumbled upon a 'weigh and pay' Szechuan restaurant, though I wish I could recall the name, as I highly recommend it, especially for budget-conscious travelers!

By midday, I was exhausted and headed back to Midtown just in time for my hotel's complimentary cocktail hour (definitely look into these when booking hotels!). After some rest, I made my way on foot to Times Square. While it may be considered the number one most overrated tourist trap in NYC, you simply cannot visit for the first time without experiencing it. The unique atmosphere is filled with supersized versions of your favorite retailers, great spots for photos, and plenty of free live entertainment (tips encouraged, of course)! I even had a super random celebrity encounter with DJ Khaled here!

Brooklyn Bridge

Day 3 

I booked a photo session with a photographer on Airbnb, and I highly recommend doing this if you're traveling solo and want to capture quality memorable photos! Thanks to this, I stumbled upon the quaint neighborhood known as SOHO. Soho is a trendy district in lower Manhattan with a Euro-esque influence, galleries, designer boutiques, and cute cafes.

On the same day, I wanted to visit the 9/11 Memorial and One World Trade Center. Instead of taking the subway, I walked for about an hour to get there, stopping in a few boutiques for some shopping along the way. The 9/11 Memorial was surreal, and I couldn't help but reflect on the tragedy that had occurred in the very spot I was standing. The overall atmosphere was respectful and peaceful. In close proximity to the memorial was the Westfield World Trade Center, a mall with outstanding architectural structure.

Exhausted from the amount of walking on this day, I took a break to eat and rest before heading out by foot to Central Park. Personally, I was expecting a bit more from the park, but I only walked about a quarter into it, so perhaps I didn't experience it in its entirety. As a local, I can absolutely see it as a valuable aspect of the city—a great escape from the bustling 'concrete jungle.'

One World Trade Center

Day 4

On my final day in NYC, determined to squeeze in a few more tourist spots before my afternoon flight, I rose and got ready by the crack of dawn. I made my way to catch a subway down to Whitehall Terminal, from where I took a ferry to Staten Island to see the Statue of Liberty from both perspectives. I won't lie; the statue was a bit underwhelming in person, but I also wasn't up close and personal. Nevertheless, it marked a significant moment for me as my trip was coming to an end—a big turning point. I had started this journey alone and a bit uncertain but ended with a sense of pride and confirmation.

By mistake, I stumbled upon the iconic "Charging Bull" and decided to, once again, keep walking, absorbing the architecture and the ever-changing atmosphere. I walked past the financial Wall Street district, Battery Park, a TV/movie set, and a bustling courthouse where Harvey Weinstein was apparently scheduled to appear that morning. Eventually, I made it to Chinatown, caught a subway back to Midtown, packed up my belongings, and headed back to life as I know it.

                                                                             XX

Embarking on a solo trip to NYC was a much-needed getaway and marked the first time I truly felt a connection with myself. I enjoyed my time so much that I returned just four months later! If you've ever considered a solo trip or visiting this city, don't hesitate—just go! Stay tuned for more on solo travel soon!

Sincerely, 

Adwoa

For more, check out my "NYC" highlight on my instagram @sincerelyadwoa 

Must see spots:

Times Square 

Empire State Building 

Central Park 

5th Avenue 

Soho

Chinatown/Little Italy 

Brooklyn bridge 

Statue of Liberty 

Rockefeller station

9/11 memorial 

Flatiron building 

St. Patrick’s cathedral 

The MET museum 

Grand Central Terminal 

The Vessel

Radio City Music Hall

Madison Square Garden