Mandarin Oriental Barcelona

LobbyWhat I love about Mandarin Oriental properties is their consistency - you know you will get a sophisticated stay with a side of zen. The first Mandarin opened in Hong Kong, in a part of the world known for the best hotel service on earth. With each successive opening, Mandarin has taken that level of service and applied it to each of their properties.

EntranceWeather in Barcelona was all over the place when I was there - hot rain and humidity, then sunshine. After long days of walking the city, down to the port and back up, the cool lobby of the Mandarin was a very welcome sight. In my little notebook I carry everywhere, I wrote down "Best breakfast buffet" - the spread is serious fuel for a day of business or leisure in the city, with eggs, bowls of fresh fruit, "bikini" (ham & cheese) sandwiches, yogurt, and Asian specialties.

On a beautiful day, there is no better place in Barcelona for a chic crowd and panoramic view over the city and Passeig de Gracia than the hotel's rooftop pool. I had a room with a handicapped bathroom, which wasn't great, but other than that, the room was a sleek city hideaway. The best rooms have views of the Passeig de Gracia, so know that when you're booking. Moments, their one Michelin-starred restaurant, is one of the top tables in Barcelona.

Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas

Almost every hotel lobby in Las Vegas can feel like Times Square. Hundreds, maybe thousands, of people, gawking, taking photos, bumbling to the casinos, restaurants and shops. Not the Mandarin Oriental. For those looking for a moment of calm in the carnival, the Mandarin is a great choice in Vegas.

I am currently at the annual Virtuoso Travel Week, where 4,000 of the best luxury travel advisors, hotels, cruise lines, tour operators and more come together to meet, exchange updates and get revved up for the upcoming year. It is my first year here and I absolutely love it. I feel like I am with my people. I made sure to tour the Mandarin, though I'm staying at the Bellagio, where the conference is held. The hotel is an oasis, especially after ducking in from the 110 degree sizzling desert sun.

All of the spacious rooms and suites are typically Mandarin, that is gorgeous, zen and Asian-inspired. Many have views of the Strip, though I think Vegas views are only cool at night. In the day, it just looks slightly sad.

View from Presidential SuiteIf you're not staying here, at least come to the 23rd floor main lobby for a drink or afternoon tea, where the Mandarin Bar and Tea Lounge are.

The Mandarin isn't for those wanting to be in the center of the Vegas action - there is no casino. But if you want to escape the action at night, stay here.

The presidential suite:

A typical suite:

Sneak Peek: Mandarin Oriental NYC Presidential Suite

I'm working on a story about amazing presidential suites in the city - have to say it's VERY fun! I got to see the presidential at the Mandarin Oriental NYC yesterday (only $18,000 a night!) and it's all about the views. Whether or not you can stay in the presidential, I love having a drink in the Mandarin's 35th floor lobby bar for the Central Park views.

It really does make you fall in love with New York all over again - and I loved seeing One 57 going up in midtown. New York's most expensive residential apartment was sold at One 57 for $90 million.