devil in the details

I seldom do these year-end lists, but a few people have asked. Here’s a little crib sheet of my favorite travel and hospitality experiences in 2010. 

Something that should exist in every airport:

The lovely, sun-drenched outside space past security at Barcelona airport.

Best example of service:

Claridge’s “we’ll open the gym for you even if it is closed” policy.

Favorite Sushi in the US:

Sushi Park in LA, Sushi Azabu in New York.

Memorable meal: 

Vij’s in Vancouver (it is as good as people say). 

Best US book shops:

Skylight books in Los Feliz, LA and Book Culture in New York.

Best breakfast dish:

Eggs Benedict at Park Hyatt Tokyo’s Girandole, followed by Truffled Egg Toast at Ino in the West Village, New York. 

Elegant respite from a party city:

The poolside bar at the Raleigh in Miami.

Most inspiring transport:

The train ride in from Hong Kong airport.

Two sublime experiences:

Skiing the Corvatsch for the first time, and taking a seaplane tour of the mountains outside Vancouver. 

Best breakfast cocktail:

Bloody Mary at Maverick Restaurant in San Francisco’s Mission.

Best extended stay apart-hotel:

“Stay” in the Isle Brygge neighborhood of Copenhagen.

Best coffee: 

Blue Bottle in San Francisco and Flat White in London.

Best relaxation:

Mineralbad & Spa in Samedan, Switzerland.

Favorite hotel bars:

The bar at the Nimb in Copenhagen, Claridge’s Bar in London (order a “Black pearl”), and the King Cole at the St. Regis, NYC.

Best record store:

Bonjour Records in Daikanyama, Tokyo.

Best example of service part 2:

Ritz Carlton Club Level staff greeting me upon 2nd check-in with a “Welcome back Mr. Nagy,” without a computer or crib sheet in sight.

Best place for design gifts:

The little gift shop in the Claska lobby in Tokyo. 

Best bed:

The beds at the Hotel Gault in Montreal.

Best boutique hotel:

Hotel Mume in Kyoto.

Best airline service:

ANA followed by Korean.