Stay & Eat - Accomodation and Eateries
Travelling with Viv and Neil 2026
Where We Slept & Dined
From boutique hotels to bold flavors, these were the places that made our days restful and our evenings memorable.
France
In Paris...We stayed at...
Rochester Champs Elysees Hotel - Elegant and walkable to Avenue des Champs-Élysées.
92 Rue La Boetie, 75008 Paris France
⭐ 4.4/5
Individual bookings Tel: +33 1 56 69 69 00 Email: hotel@hrochester.com
A few metres from the 4* Hotel Rochester Champs-Élysées there are some visits and shopping addresses you simply can't miss: the Arc de Triomphe, The Louis Vuitton Foundation (direct shuttle service every 15 minutes from Place Charles de Gaulle, ten minutes walk from the hotel), Avenue des Champs-Élysées. As you stroll down the Champs-Élysées, cultural attractions await at the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais, both within walking distance.
And We ate at...
L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon - Étoile
133 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Publicis Drugstore, 75008 Paris, France
Michelin Rating: ⭐ One Michelin Star
Phone: +33 1 47 23 75 75
Email: Not publicly listed; reservations via official website
Estimated Cost: AU$150 - $300 per person (tasting menus and à la carte options)
Sleek, counter-style dining with open kitchen views. Signature dishes include caviar gelée and Robuchon’s famous mashed potatoes. Located
just off the Champs-Élysées, this Michelin-starred gem offers refined French dishes in a sleek, counter-style setting. Expect exquisite tasting menus, signature purées, and impeccable service in a modern, intimate space.
Fouquet’s Paris (Brasserie)
99 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (as part of Hôtel Barrière Fouquet’s)
Phone: +33 1 40 69 60 50
Email: contact@fouquets-barriere.com
Estimated Cost: AU$150 - $250 per person
Historic brasserie with a menu by Chef Pierre Gagnaire. Expect refined classics like beef tartare, sole meunière, and mille-feuille. A Parisian institution since 1899, Fouquet’s is a high-end brasserie right on the Champs-Élysées. With interiors steeped in cinematic history and a menu curated by Chef Pierre Gagnaire, it’s ideal for a luxurious lunch or dinner featuring dishes like beef tartare and mille- feuille.
Le Sens Unique
47 Rue de Ponthieu, 75008 Paris, France
Star Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Highly rated on TheFork reviews (9.6/10)
Phone: +33 1 42 25 08 79
Email: Not listed; reservations via TheFork
Estimated Cost: AU$60 - $100 per person
Intimate bistro with warm service and standout dishes like duck breast with honey sauce and escargots. A local favorite. It’s praised for its warm ambiance, attentive service, and beautifully executed French classics like duck breast with honey sauce and escargots.
In Lyon...We stayed at
Grand Hôtel des Terreaux – Elegant and walkable to Old Lyon.
16 Rue Lanterne, 69001 Lyon France
⭐ 4.0
Individual bookings Tel:+33 (0)4 78 27 04 10 Email: ght@hotel-lyon.fr
Situated in the heart of the city , this 4-star hotel in Lyon is the perfect destination for a stay anchored in the very identity of the city of lights. The staff, connoisseurs of the city, are at your disposal to advise you and guide you for a tailor-made stay: from the most secret traboules, to the most famous “bouchons”, plunge into the rich and old history of the Place de Terreaux in the heart of the peninsula. The hotel is also perfectly served by public transport, thanks to the metro station and buses to Hôtel de Ville Louis Pradel or Place des Terreaux. You will be able to reach all the points of interest of the French capital of gastronomy in just a few minutes.
And We ate at...
Le Musée
2 Rue des Forces, 69002 Lyon, France
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5 (Tripadvisor)
Tel: +33 4 78 37 71 54 Email: Not publicly listed (phone reservations recommended)
Estimated Cost: €25–€40 → ~$40–$65 AUD per person
A cherished bouchon hidden behind an old wooden gate in a quiet courtyard. Expect traditional Lyonnais cuisine: sausages in brioche, rich pâtés, and praline tart. Served by a jovial owner with flair.
Le Vivarais
1 Place Gailleton, 69002 Lyon, France
⭐ Rating: 4.1/5 (Tripadvisor)
Tel: +33 4 78 37 85 15 Email: Via restaurant-levivarais.fr
Estimated Cost: €35–€50 → ~$55–$80 AUD per person
An elegant Lyonnais institution since 1917. This bouchon elevates comfort food—think quenelles, veal blanquette, and excellent Rhône wines—in a white-tablecloth setting filled with tradition.
Italy
In Milan...We stayed at
Hotel Spadari al Duomo – Artistic, modern, and just steps from Milan’s cathedral.
Via Spadari 11, 20123 Milan, Italy
⭐ Rating: 4.8 (Tripadvisor)
Tel: +39 02 7200 2371 Email: info@spadarihotel.com 🌐 Website: spadarihotel.com
Estimated Cost per Night: €245–€310 → ~$395–$500 AUD
Just steps from Milan’s iconic cathedral, this 4-star boutique hotel blends contemporary design with warm, personal hospitality. Family-run and art-filled, it offers a uniquely Milanese atmosphere—where curated modern artworks meet vintage charm and thoughtful service. Each room is individually styled with original pieces, fine linens, and complimentary minibar refreshments. Guests enjoy a generous American-style breakfast, 24-hour reception, and a location that places them within walking distance of La Scala, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the city’s top shopping streets. Whether you're exploring the fashion district or catching an opera, Hotel Spadari al Duomo is a refined and welcoming base in the heart of Milan.
And We ate at...
Maio Restaurant
Piazza del Duomo, La Rinascente, 7th floor
⭐ Rating: 4.1/5 (Tripadvisor)
Tel: +39 02 885 2455 Email: Not publicly listed (reservations via maiorestaurant.com)
Estimated cost: $70–$230 AUD per person
Rooftop dining with panoramic views of the Duomo Cuisine, Modern Italian with seasonal flair
Ristorante Nabucco
Via Fiori Chiari 10, Brera district
⭐ Rating 4/5 (Tripadvisor)
Tel: +39 02 860663 Email: info@nabucco.it
Estimated cost: $80–$130 AUD per person
Elegant, romantic, with live opera on select nights, Traditional Milanese and Northern Italian
Botinero Restaurant
Via San Marco 3
⭐ Rating 4/5 (Tripadvisor)
Tel: +39 02 6556 0840 Email: Not publicly listed (contact via botinero.it)
Estimated cost: $125–$150 AUD per person
Upscale and stylish, co-owned by footballer Javier Zanetti; Refined Italian with Argentine influences
Farinella
Foro Buonaparte 71, near Largo Cairoli
⭐ Rating 3.4/5 (Tripadvisor)
Tel: +39 02 8909 5084 Email: Not publicly listed (reservations via TheFork)
Estimated cost: $55–$80 AUD per person
Casual trattoria with a lively atmosphere; Southern Italian, pizza and pasta specialties
Kisen Milano
Via Gian Giacomo Mora 9
⭐ Rating 4.3/5 (Tripadvisor)
Tel: +39 02 3652 5697 Email: info@kisensushi.it
Estimated cost: $60–$100 AUD per person
Sleek and modern; Japanese sushi and fusion dishes
Yokohama Flavour Journey
Via Pantano 8
⭐ Rating 4.6/5 (Tripadvisor)
Tel: +39 02 874291 Email: Not publicly listed (reservations via sushiyokohama.it)
Estimated cost: $125–$380 AUD per person
Elegant and immersive; Japanese with creative tasting menus
In Rome...We stayed at
FH55 Grand Hotel Palatino – Refined comfort near the Colosseum
Address: Via Cavour 213/M, 00184 Rome, Italy
⭐ Rating: 4.0 (Tripadvisor)
Tel: +39 06 481 4927 Email: info@fhhotelgroup.it 🌐 Website: fhhotelgroup.it – Grand Hotel Palatino
Estimated Cost per Night: €270–€290 → ~$435–$470 AUD
Located just a short walk from the Colosseum and Roman Forum, this 4-star hotel offers spacious rooms, modern amenities, and a quiet, professional atmosphere. It’s well-connected via Cavour metro station and ideal for exploring Monti’s boutiques and trattorias. Many rooms offer city views, and the on-site restaurant serves Roman specialties.
And We ate at...
Contrario – Vineria Con Cucina
Via Ostilia 22, 00184 Rome, Italy
⭐ Rating: 4.7/5 (Tripadvisor, Travelers’ Choice 2024)
Tel: +39 06 709 6206 Email: Not publicly listed (reservations via ristorantecontrario.com)
Estimated Cost: €45–€65 → ~$75–$105 AUD per person
Just steps from the Colosseum, this stylish wine-forward bistro is a local favorite for its modern take on ancient Roman cuisine. Founded by Alex and Anda, Contrario blends tradition with creativity — think carbonara with a twist, or scallops with citrus and herbs. The ambiance is intimate and romantic, with walls lined in wine bottles and soft lighting. Outdoor seating is available in warmer months, and the wine list is extensive, featuring both Italian and international labels.
Osteria Angelino dal 1899
Via Capo d'Africa 6, 00184 Rome, Italy
⭐ Rating: 4.1/5 (Tripadvisor
Tel: +39 06 647 646 63 Email: roma@osteriaangelino.it 🌐 Website: osteriaangelino.it
Estimated Cost: €35–€50 → ~$55–$80 AUD per person
A classic Roman osteria just steps from the Colosseum, Angelino has been serving locals since 1899. Expect hearty dishes like cacio e pepe, amatriciana, and saltimbocca alla romana in a relaxed, rustic setting. Outdoor seating is available, and the service is warm and efficient — perfect for a satisfying dinner without the fine-dining price tag.
Singapore
And in Singapore...
We Stayed at...
InterContinental Singapore – Heritage luxury in the heart of Bugis
80 Middle Road, Singapore 188966
⭐ Rating: 4.5 (Tripadvisor)
Tel: +65 6338 7600 Email: singapore@ihg.com 🌐 Website: singapore.intercontinental.com
Estimated Cost per Night: $420–$520 AUD
Located above Bugis Junction and directly connected to the MRT, this 5-star heritage hotel blends colonial elegance with Peranakan charm. The interiors feature intricate woodwork, silk panels, and curated antiques that reflect Singapore’s rich cultural tapestry. Guests can enjoy exclusive access to the Club InterContinental Lounge, relax by the outdoor pool, or indulge in award-winning dining at Man Fu Yuan (Cantonese fine dining) and Ash & Elm (European brasserie). The Lobby Lounge is a local favorite for afternoon tea and evening cocktails. Perfectly positioned for exploring Kampong Glam, Marina Bay, and Orchard Road, the hotel offers a luxurious yet culturally immersive base for your Singapore stay.
And We ate at...
Candlenut – Michelin-starred Peranakan cuisine
17A Dempsey Road, Singapore 249676
⭐ Rating: ⭐ 1 Michelin Star | 4.5/5 (Tripadvisor)
Tel: +65 1800 304 2288 Email: reservations@candlenut.com.sg 🌐 Website: candlenut.com.sg
Estimated Cost: S$88–S$148 → ~$95–$165 AUD per person
The world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant, Candlenut reimagines Straits Chinese heritage dishes with finesse. Chef Malcolm Lee’s signature “ah-ma-kase” tasting menu includes buah keluak, wagyu rendang, and kueh salat. Set in lush Dempsey Hill, it’s a serene and stylish culinary experience.
Hawker Chan – Michelin-quality street food on a budget
78 Smith Street, Chinatown, Singapore 058972
⭐ Rating: Michelin Bib Gourmand | 4.0/5 (Tripadvisor)
Tel: +65 6221 1668 Email: Not publicly listed 🌐 Website: hawkerchan.com.sg
Estimated Cost: S$5–S$10 → ~$5.50–$11 AUD per person
Famous for its soy sauce chicken rice, this humble hawker stall earned a Michelin star in 2016. Expect queues, fast service, and unbeatable value. It’s a must-visit for foodies seeking authentic Singaporean flavors without the fine-dining price tag.
