The Weekly Edit
la dolce guida como, I.M Pei’s designs at the Four Seasons NY, Midtown, Moynihan train hall eats, and the saddest airport lounge in the US.
In this week's newsletter: my friend’s new touring company in Como, Italy; a review of the Four Seasons NY, Midtown; what to eat in the Moynihan train hall; and the saddest airport lounge in the US (spoiler: it’s in O’Hare).
La Dolce Guida Como
My friend Britt is a tour de force. She runs a travel business, is in the middle of a gut renovation of her house in Lake Como, has two little boys, AND is launching a tour company - La Dolce Guida - which is filling a gap in the Lake Como area - there’s lots of sea travel, but nothing to speak of in terms of ground game. La Dolce Guida opens this summer, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to give you all a little peek behind the scenes of La Dolce Guida Como.
Give us the backstory - about you, and your new company.
As the founder of Unfolded Travels, a luxury travel agency, I plan many client trips to Italy—especially since I live here. When designing itineraries for Lake Como, I kept noticing the same thing: while boat rides are undeniably beautiful (and definitely a must!), there was a major gap when it came to land-based experiences. The lake’s charm isn’t just in the water—it’s in the winding roads, panoramic views, and quiet villages that are often overlooked. Getting around Lake Como can be surprisingly tricky. Private transfers are limited, taxis even more so, and public transportation doesn’t always align with a seamless, relaxed itinerary. I wanted to offer a better way for guests to explore—something thoughtful, immersive, and unforgettable. We created something special: immersive tour experiences in the most charming little cars—authentic vintage Fiat 500s that have been hand-restored and converted to electric. No fumes, no noisy engines—just quiet, open-air drives through some of the lake’s most breathtaking corners and hidden gems.
Hopes and dreams for your first seasons out?
This first season in Lake Como, our goal is to spotlight the local businesses and experiences that make this lake truly unforgettable—many of which our clients might never find on their own. We believe that visiting a destination is just as much about the people you meet as it is the beauty you see. That’s why we’ve curated unique private dining experiences, hands-on cooking lessons hosted in local homes, and scenic tours filled with moments that offer a genuine connection to the culture and traditions of the lake.
Who is your ideal guest?
Our ideal guest is curious, friendly, and open-minded—someone who values meaningful experiences and enjoys connecting with new people and places. We love welcoming travelers from around the world and sharing the beauty of the place we call home. Please note: for safety reasons, we’re unable to accommodate children under the age of 6, as car seats cannot be securely installed in our vehicles.
What is the entry point to take a tour?
Starts at 1,050 EUR
Something you just can’t miss in Lake Como?
Oh, this is such a hard one—there's so much to see! But if I had to choose, I’d say visiting one of Lake Como’s iconic villas is an absolute must. They offer the kind of beauty that photos just can’t do justice. No trip to Como feels complete without experiencing at least one of them!
A few favorite local hotels you recommend over and over again?
If you’re coming to Lake Como and want to do it right, these are the hotels to have on your radar:
Grand Hotel Tremezzo - an absolutely iconic classic. Think: that iconic floating pool, epic views of Bellagio, and vintage glam vibes. It’s luxurious and full of personality—perfect if you want the full Lake Como experience with all the bells and whistles.
Passalacqua - This one’s a total dream. It feels more like staying in a private villa than a hotel as it only has a few dozen rooms. Super intimate, beautifully restored, and full of little touches that make it feel really special. Go here if you're into quiet luxury and a more relaxed, tucked-away vibe.
Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como - If you're all about peace, style, and spa days, this is your spot. It’s sleek, super calm, and surrounded by gorgeous nature. It's a great pick if you’re craving some serious downtime in a beautiful setting.
Your favorite spot for a meal in Lake Como?
Locanda La Tirlindana, located in the charming village of Sala Comacina, is known for its delicious, famous lemon ravioli. They have a beautiful lakeside terrace which provides a romantic setting, especially during sunset. Accessible by boat, it’s the perfect spot for a romantic dinner.
How old are your kids and where’s the best place you’ve taken them?
My boys are 3 and 5, and they've been lucky enough to travel to so many countries across five continents. But, I’d say our favorite family trips so far have been to Thailand and Mallorca.
Where do you want to go next and why?
I’m really excited about the idea of taking my kids to Sri Lanka — it feels like such an authentic, untapped destination compared to places like Bali that we've been to before and have been a bit overrun with tourism. It has all the natural beauty and adventure— lush jungles, amazing wildlife, and stunning beaches— without the heavy crowds. It’s a place where you can really experience local culture and traditions in a way that feels much more raw and genuine. Plus, I think it would be an incredible learning experience for the kids, and I love that it’s still a bit of a hidden gem!
Under the radar place and the place you’re dying to try out?
Sardinia is definitely becoming more popular amongst American tourists, and it’s easy to see why! The beaches are absolutely stunning— crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and some seriously beautiful scenery. It’s been a favorite amongst Italians for years, but now more people are discovering it. We’re also dying to check out the Turkish Riviera! Places like Bodrum and Antalya are perfect for relaxing by the sea, but you can also dive into some pretty incredible culture and food. Can you tell we’re all about beautiful beaches in my family?
Best way for people to reach you?
@unfolded_travels, hello@ladolceguida.com
Hotel Addict: Four Seasons NY Midtown
I.M Pei’s birthday was yesterday (4/26)– the famous architect responsible for the glass pyramid he designed for the Louvre in Paris, as well as The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and more locally - the Four Seasons NY, midtown. In honor of him and his incredible designs I took a walk through the Four Seasons, NY, midtown and saw the stunning lobby and the jaw-dropping views of the park, it is truly something to see for yourself.
Name/Location: Four Seasons NY, Midtown, New York NY
Dates of Stay: 4/25/25
In Short: Art deco modern, classic chic New York
Vibe: Well-heeled respite in the middle of the city
The rooms: The decor is hushed, muted, classic, uptown. They downsized the room volume in the refresh to give more square footage to each room and it shows. The views are the real showstopper here though, the vantage point to the park is unparalleled and when I was there it was spring had sprung and the park was just bursting with green. I hear the fall foliage is even more spectacular.
Of Note/Tips: They are building out long-term residences that will be open in the next few years, and they’ve kept intact the soaring ceilings in the lobby and the interiors designed by I.M Pei himself.
If this hotel was a:
Celebrity: Natalie Portman
A brand of shoes: Jimmy Choo
A cocktail: Manhattan
A TV show: Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Ranking my top 3 eats at Moynihan train hall in NYC
Found myself in the gorgeous Moynihan train hall a few weeks back and was immediately impressed by the spread on offer there. There’s so many spots to grab something before or after you hop on a train. Here’s my top-three on what to eat if you happen to be there.
Alidoro - so this joint is an outpost of the infamous sandwich shop near one of my very first apartments in the city - so I’m definitely biased here - this sandwich shop was the cornerstone of many of my first NYC memories. My roommate and I used to get The Matthew and sit outside on a sunny day, and although this has a bit of a rose-tint to it, I still stand by the deliciousness of these Italian sandos. Note, they don’t offer The Matthew at Moynihan, so I’d sub in the Alidoro as my order.
La Esquina - excellent tacos to be found here (and also the downtown OG spot). Highly recommend the corn as well.
Pastrami Queen - this pastrami is up there with Katz’s and in my top 3 pastramis in the city. At least stop by for a pastrami sample.
Links
Where do you think The Saddest Airport Lounge is? (Spoiler: it’s in O’Hare).
Would you fly somewhere just for lunch? Check out these 8-hour vacationers.
Here’s an inspiring story of three friends who renovated a resort in California and is bringing an entire town back to life.
The real ID is really coming (May 7th!). Read more here.
8 scenic Amtrak routes (my favorite is the Pacific Surfliner!).
I’m booking for summer 2025 trips right now, as well as already into the fall and festive. Reach out if you want to get on my calendar, I’d love to work on a trip with you!
If you enjoyed this, would you be kind enough to give it a little heart? I hope you have a nice week!