Formerly presented every other year, the Venice Biennale -- a world-class, contemporary fair -- is now an annual event.

You'd think I was in Italy. In fact, I was 2,500 miles southeast of the country's heel, in the capital of diminutive, oil-rich Kuwait.

It is the perfect summer to head to Europe.

As a frequent flyer, I've had my share of both good and bad. Here are some of the good hotel experiences I've encountered over the last 30 years of traveling.

I have dinner at the Wolseley on Piccadilly, a busy, buzzy spot that does a great Dover Sole.

Last month, I abandoned Rome for Italy's fashion capital and, in less than forty eight hours, I was ready to move in.

I became obsessed with the gorgeous, white onyx dining room; clean lines permeate like a graph in this room--and nothing is out of place.

From the Christmas markets in Alto-Aldige to a 250-person strong live Nativity pageant in Puglia, there are Christmas enchantments and surprises in every corner of Italy.