Loulou's views

Sometimes all you need is a road trip to help you recharge your batteries, and if you’re looking for a quick escape, Toronto is the perfect place to visit with friends or family because there is always so much going on, whether you’re a sports fan, museum buff, movie lover (hello, TIFF!) or shopping enthusiast. Here’s how you can spend a weekend in Toronto:   Check-in to St. Regis The St. Regis in Toronto’s financial district is one of the city’s most luxurious hotels, and for the second year in a row, awarded Five-Star Hotel and Five-Star Spa ratings by Forbes Travel Guide. The St. Regis Toronto helped redefine the standard of five-start luxury hotel stays in Toronto —and because of its ideal location, the perfect place to stay if you’re sightseeing, enjoying the city’s finest restaurants, or catching a sports game. The St. Regis Toronto is close to the CN Tower, Scotiabank Arena, Rogers Centre, and the city’s premier shopping, theatre, and entertainment venues. My son and...

Canada's first St. Regis has finally arrived in Canada, making a grand entrance in downtown Toronto. With personalized butler service, a lobby bar, 124 spacious suites, a two-level spa, large swimming pool, and a stunning restaurant on the 31st floor, the hotel definitely caters to those who love fine dining, relaxation, and luxury. I was thrilled to find out Canada was getting their very own St. Regis, but even more excited when I was invited to review the new hotel a few weeks ago. I've had the pleasure of experiencing the St. Regis Bal Harbour twice, and I instantly knew that my experience at St. Regis Toronto would be equally as memorable–for myself, for my husband, and for our children. Fine Dining  The newest restaurant that's causing a lot of buzz in Toronto is LOUIX LOUIS, on the 31st. floor of St. Regis Toronto. It's the perfect place to indulge in your most desired cravings, from caviar to champagne, and everything in between. The menu features items ...

We drove through five hours of pouring rain as the ice storm was starting on our drive to Toronto last weekend, to experience the renovated Club InterContinental . Although the weather was less than perfect, Club InterContinental definitely made up for that–especially with the very sweet welcome we received to our room upon arrival. We had the pleasure of staying in one of the newly renovated suites, and enjoyed the sophisticated decor in our spacious room. A large bedroom, a separate living room with a very comfortable pull-out couch, two bathrooms (with Aveda products) and beautiful views of downtown Toronto, including the CN Tower, made our stay here memorable and enjoyable. (We also enjoyed the in-room dining, and were so pleased with the options and quality of food). "The renovation of Club Intercontinental has been a very special project for the hotel,"  says General Manager, Alex Hakim.  "It was important to provide our business and leisure guests with...

If you're looking for a quick weekend escape but don't want to travel too far, head to Toronto. This incredible city in the heart of Ontario always has something exciting going on for the entire family. Every trip to Toronto allows me to experience something new, from dining to shopping. When I have the itch to go to New York City, sometimes a trip to Toronto is all I need to get my fix. Where to stay: I had the pleasure of experiencing the luxurious  Adelaide Hotel  in downtown Toronto. This AAA-Five-Diamond luxury hotel opened it's doors this past summer on the corner of Bay and Adelaide, and it's simply stunning—from the chic décor to the large suites, it took my breath away. When you're staying in a luxury hotel like The Adelaide, you'll be blown away with the beauty as soon as you walk in the front doors. Check-in, as expected, was a joyful experience. It's the friendly, personalized service, and attention to detail, that made our stay here so wo...

Anyone who knows me can attest I'm not a huge fan of cooking, as much as I enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal. However, I'm lucky to have a husband, parents, and in-laws who can cook amazingly well. Despite the fact that I don't love getting dirty in the kitchen, I'm great at making a few meals my children (thankfully!) love, and most of those meals are Italian. I was so excited to be invited to Toronto this week along with several other bloggers to indulge in an authentic taste of Italy, and meet and learn from Italian Chef Massimo Bruno. We took part, as well—preparing some pretty simple recipes that I know will be a huge hit at home. Best of all? The meals we learned to cook involve only a few key ingredients, so prep time is simple, and takes almost no time at all to actually cook... and serve. (Which is perfect when you're heading home late from work and the children are starving). We sampled delicious Italian cheese and appetizers, drank wine, and got ou...

With Canada Day just a day away, this country is buzzing with excitement with Canada 150 events, and there has never been a better time to take a vacation–or staycation–in Canada. I was recently on Breakfast Television in Montreal talking about the great things to see and do, and where to stay, in Ottawa, Montreal, and Toronto. Ottawa is obviously the place to be to celebrate Canada Day, but if you want to avoid the crowds, not to worry; there is a lot going on after July 1st, too. Here's what you can enjoy: Sky Lounge: Taking place between July 7th and 22nd, this is an exclusive culinary experience that will take the brave 150 feet in the air to discover Ottawa like never before; you'll get to experience a dining experience presented by chef Stephen La Salle, from Andaz Hotel's Feast and Revel delicious restaurant. You can choose between a a cocktail option with appetizers and Canadian wine, or a gourmet three-course dinner. You'll be strapped in Formula-1 sty...

As much as I love presents wrapped up under the Christmas tree, I prefer presents that have to do with travel—like a stay in a gorgeous luxury hotel. Sometimes, a weekend getaway is the perfect way to escape and unwind during the crazy holiday season, or in the new year, when you have more time. Giving gifts that have to do with travel—luggage, bikinis, sunglasses, airplane tickets or a surprise stay in a gorgeous hotel in a city you love—give lasting memories that'll last forever. I've had the great pleasure of staying at The Hazelton Hotel several times, and each time I stay there, I fall in love all over again. It's become my favourite hotel, and it's always hard to say goodbye. This luxury boutique hotel in the heart of Yorkville is all about excellent service, gorgeous, sexy  rooms and suites , (62 beautifully designed rooms and 15 exceptional suites) and incredible dining options, whether you're ordering to your room or enjoying the food and ambiance at O...