CHARLATAN

The Exposé of Politics & Style

Places

Places explores not just where we go—but what those places reveal about who we are. These are not travel guides. They are studies in atmosphere, architecture, and influence—where politics meets design, tradition meets modernity, and every destination tells a larger story about civilization itself.

City of Czars

Four Seasons Lion Palace St. Petersburg

Russia's fervent nationalism, religious messianism, and identity as a chosen nation has driven expansion across the world. Charlatan checked in to the Four Seasons Lion Palace before Magyar conquered Budapest, Trump was summoned to Beijing, or Moscow retreated from Ukraine — and saw that all roads no longer lead to St. Petersburg.

The Gate to China

The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong

One China. Two Systems? Charlatan checks in to the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong and discovers a command economy colliding with free market capitalism.

Crossroads to Civilization

W Hotel Istanbul

In 2008, Charlatan checked into the commercial promise at the W Hotel; sailed to Asia and the Yoros Castle; sweat it out the ambitions in a 300-year-old hammam and investigated Turkey’s formula to success. Charlatan recalibrates how the East reconciled the West.

The Cuban Revolution

The Cuban Revolution

One culture. Two currencies? Charlatan checks-in to Cuba’s new Gran Hotel Manzana, and experiences the collision between communism and the new market capitalism.

One Night in Bangkok

Thailand's Coup d'état

Charlatan checked in to the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok in 2014, and stumbled onto a political crisis and coup d’état. Ten years on, Thailand’s fight for democracy forges on.

Canada Strong

The True North Strong & Free

How prime minister Mark Carney’s landslide victory and big dollars intend to block US annexation, and unite, secure, protect, and rebuild Canada.

The Hungarian Rhapsody

Four Seasons Budapest

As Graham Palace faces Buda Castle, culture and nationalism square off in the second act of a unique and remarkable experiment in Hungary.

A New Argentina

Four Seasons Buenos Aires

It’s the birthplace of the Tango. Charlatan checks-in to the Four Seasons Buenos Aires and discovers the spirit of Eva Parón in lock step with the most diverse nation of immigrants in the world.

The Big Smoke

Corinthia London

Its the world's most visited city. Contributor MATTHEW FLACKS opts for a staycation in a quixotic enclave in cosmpolitan London.

Puttin' on the Ritz

The Ritz London

Charlatan checks out the neoclassical masterpiece in the heart of London and learns why this hotel's customs feel tried, true, and contemporary.

The Bride of Versailles

Trianon Palace Versailles

The Treaty of Versailles was signed at Trinon Palace. Charlatan checks-in to the Waldorf Astoria and learns that power is where power goes.

The Prague Sonata

Four Seasons Prague

Czechia is the newest name for the Czech Republic, and the latest incarnation for the Kingdom of Bohemia. Charlatan checks in to Four Seasons Prague and discovers a progressive & enchantingly modern world.

Lords of the Atlas

The Sahara Desert

How did Morocco avert the Arab Spring? Charlatan travels to Africa and discovers a savvy constitutional monarch, a vibrant cosmopolitan culture, and the kismit of both at the resplendent La Sultana Marrakesh.

Lost in Florence

Florence Italy

I'ts the birthplace of the Renaissance. Contributor BRENDA WENSIL visits tItaly's Plaza del Duomo and discovers the paintings, masters, and poets at the heart of every age.

The InterContinental Effect

The InterContinental Boston

The InterContinental Hotel has commandeered Boston’s revolutionary harbor in a way the Redcoats never could. With accomodation, soft skills and next level concierge on a cosmopolitan seaport.

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The Exposé of Politics & Style

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