I have no favorite hotels in Europe, Africa, Middle East, Oceania, South America and North America.  I guess the term favorite for me is one I look forward to someday again returning.  There are many worthy hotels: Chais Monnet  in Cognac, France.  I don't ever want to land in Paris again, so coming back would be difficult.   Read my posting of 8July2025 .  Our tour of Remi Martin was truly memorable.   This special wine tour was in 2019 , where one stop was dropping by  Chateau Lafite Rothschild for their prized Bordeaux .  Did you know that every bottle of cognac comes from this town, and nearby region?  Same for champagne, which is produced only in the region of Champagne, France. Another one is the  Marriott Marquis on Times Square, New York City .  However, I'm not coming back here because it is too expensive.  Actually, Google AI says the typical cost is around $350/night, which is very reasonable for a pro...

If you ever come to Bangkok, one experience you should not miss is rooftop dining.  It must have been more than two decades ago.  I was staying in the Banyan Tree Hotel, which was then a Westin.  In any case, at the top was  Vertigo , the first roof top dining restaurant in the city.  The building has 61 floors, and you are at the top. Since then I've dined at a few more.  As the second of its kind,  Sirocco  opened in 2003 on the 63rd floor.  Read about  my experience in 2015: ... the symbol of supreme dining extravagance in Thailand, remaining as the highest place to enjoy a meal with only the sky above you, on the 63rd floor of the State Tower.   I took the photos below awaiting my table and saw the sunset. Maybe your mind might recall this scene, for parts of  Hangover 2  were shot here. This posting  provides cuisine and wine details for every dish. So, the chef came by to chat with me, for maybe the third time, ...