Loulou's views

I love exploring luxurious hotels in every city I visit–it's one of my favourite thing to do. Some people aren't hotel people; I'm not one of those people. I even love staying in hotels in the city I live in. Staycations are fun, and a great way to re-discover things about your city all over again. Sometimes, a staycation is all you need to feel like you're on vacation. Chateau Laurier is Ottawa's most luxurious hotel located minutes from Parliament Hill, Rideau Centre, the Byward Market and Rideau Canal, and it's one place I love visiting. It holds a special place in my heart because it's where my husband and I stayed after our wedding, before we left for our honeymoon to Aruba, and it's where my sister got married. We also love spending summer evenings on the Wilfrid's patio, taking in the glorious sunset while drinking champagne. I had the pleasure of staying at the Chateau Laurier last month, to experience and review the property...

Ottawa has drastically improved in many ways over the years, making it a must-see city for world travellers, and a place to re-discover for local residents. The downtown core has two new hotels perfect for those looking for a modern, stylish place to stay: Le Germain and Alt Hotel . (These two hotels, in addition to Andaz, have helped make downtown come alive again). I had the chance to check-in to the Le Germain Hotel Ottawa with my husband for a mini staycation, and we loved the hotel–especially because of the location–only a short walk to CF Rideau Centre, and my favourite department store, Nordstrom. Nice hotels and shopping make me happy! I've stayed at Le Germain in Toronto, and I found that hotel has a more bustling, sexy vibe, but Ottawa's version was equally beautiful and elegant, with an artful design, spectacular views of the city, and great service. The rooms are clean and modern, each one its own work of art that stays true to Ottawa's unique vibe. A...

Are you ready? The holidays are here, and ready or not, it's time to celebrate all things festive! Whether you're hosting at home for Christmas, Boxing Day, or New Year's Eve (or really, any day in between, because every day this season is worth celebrating!) make it a stress-free holiday season with these easy holiday hacks. Here are six holiday hacks for a stress-free meal: Prepare, prepare, prepare Plan out what needs to be done and see what you can prepare a few days in advance of your get together so that all you need to do is cook and serve on the big day. Try to do the following the day's leading up to your party: mix all the dry ingredients, set the table, prepare your chutneys and sauces, and organize your fridge because there is nothing worse to do while cooking than scrambling to find things in a messy fridge. Does that turkey come deboned? Debone your turkey before cooking or ask your local butcher to help you out. This turkey hack will ut your coo...

I had the chance to stay at the Brookstreet Hotel  a couple of years ago with my best friends for a girls weekend getaway . It was summer, and we lounged around the pool all afternoon, and enjoyed the yummy food at Perspectives Restaurant. Although we were just in Kanata, a few minutes from downtown Ottawa, I felt like we were on vacation somewhere far away. The rooms were gorgeous with beautiful views and floor to ceiling windows—modern, clean, spacious. And the beds? So incredibly comfortable. It was a wonderful stay, and I couldn't wait to go back again. I'm very thankful to say that I was given the opportunity to stay at and review the Brookstreet Hotel during March break with my family. This time, my husband and two boys came with me for a very memorable stay. We even kept the stay a surprise and didn't tell our boys until the day we left for the hotel. They were so excited—they love adventures, hotels, and vacations. Although we didn't have to trave...