Lunch at the Grand Cafe in Oslo, Norway

With a history stretching back more than 150 years, the Grand Cafe along Karl Johans Gate in the heart of Oslo, Norway is a landmark in its own right. Linked to the Grand Hotel and serving Nordic food with global influences, the Cafe was famously a haunt of bohemian artists and writers around the turn of the 20th century. In short, it was the perfect spot to stop and grab some Norwegian cuisine and an overdue afternoon beer during our exploration of the city.   

 

Story Hotel Studio Malmö in Sweden

A few visuals from a stay at Story Hotel Studio Malmö in Sweden.

Hotel Revival in Baltimore, Maryland

A few visuals from a stay at the Hotel Revival in Baltimore, Maryland.

The Final Days of the Mirage Las Vegas

After 34 years in operation, the Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada closed its doors this week. The former home of Siegfried and Roy, Beatles Love, and the iconic erupting volcano is now set to become another "remember when" on the Vegas Strip as Hard Rock completely transforms the property through 2027.

Over the last few years, following the sale and eventual closure announcement, I've made a point of coming back here a handful of times to explore. It really was a unique place. Even through the cigarette smoke, the Polynesian theme made the Mirage one of the best smelling casinos.

The construction of the Mirage in 1989 would forever change Las Vegas and inspire a lot of future construction through the 1990s. It was touted as the first mega-resort on the Strip and was the brainchild of Steve Wynn. It kicked off an era of spectacular free street shows - which themselves have been largely disappearing.

For me, the Mirage was cemented in my brain because of all the Vegas Vacation reruns on TBS back in the day. What a time to grow up! At least I've now got a lot of embarrassing pictures of myself here as an adult to remember it all. Farewell to the Mirage.

 

Freehand Hotel in New York City

A few visuals from a stay at Freehand New York in New York City.