What good is having a lot of money without the adequate time to fully enjoy that financial abundance. In accordance with this line of thinking and to provide some inspiration for all of you that are new to this path of effortless abundance and the perks it can bring, I will be devoting a series of posts to my personal experiences in travel and leisure from across the world over the past few years.

Much like I love to draw inspiration from magazines that write about bespoke travel and unique lifestyle ideas, I simply want to make you aware what is out there for you to enjoy, because ironically you do often NOT need to have a lot of money to enjoy most of the things I cherish.

Rather than giving advise on depper topics of wealth and financial success, this post is a lighter approach to the outcome of having achieved a positive attitude toward money and continously setting yourself up to attract outstanding experiences into your reality.

Last weekend, my girlfriend and I headed on a roadtrip to Portland , Oregon. After we had stayed in Seattle a few times over the winter season, it felt right to go a bit further and it helps to find out that Oregon has no sales tax which makes for a shopping paradise.

For those of you who know me a little bit, this may come a no surprise, but I am less interested in shopping and really enjoy travel for 3 reasons: Outstanding Hotels, Great Food & Exciting Culture at the destination.

Of course there are many other aspects that I love, but on a short trip like this I had to focus. So we booked at the Westin which is part of Starwood Group and hence gives me a lot of perks since I have reached their Gold Status just recently. I am a pretty tough critic when it comes to chain hotels, but so far they have not let me down and I do enjoy several of their properties.

Although the Service and the Concierge at the Westin were very good, and I can also recommend them since they give you an appetizer voucher for their bar & grill, it is a different hotel experience that I would like to bring to your attention.

On our way back from brunch at “Mother’s”, which is probably one of the top 10 breakfast places in the world on my map (trust me I love breakfast more than any other meal hands down…), I just had to stop and see what was hiding behind the facade of a historical building with a doorman out front. My instict always guides me to great hotels that way, and this one seemed no different.

So, we enter the main door of the Hotel Monaco (Kimpton Group) and immediately the cozy, but stylish lobby makes us feel welcome and at home. the next thing I notice is an oversized dog bed in the corner. It is home to Art, the hotel pet and ambassador to all other four legged guests that the hotel warmly welcomes.  

I walk up to the front desk and get a brochure. As I glance through it, I disover that they have a very cool way to connect with thei guests, espcially the ones travelling alone. At your request, they will deliver a goldfish in a fishbowl to your room to keep you company while you stay there.

I have only ever seen one other hotel that had a similar offering. I was in the Swiss Alps and the hotel offered to bring a pair of mini hamsters to the guest’s room for entertainment and company.

Now I don’t know about you, but since hamsters are nocturnal, I think I’d opt for the goldfish this time to make sure I get my sleep.

More thoughts and unique stuff from my travel desk is coming your way soon, so tune in and don’t forget to subscribe to the RSS Feed so you don’t miss a beat.

Happy travels and see you at the top.

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