London is always a lot, so much to see and you have to prioritize.

After doing all the things (Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Harrods, London Eye, etc.), Camden is a fun detour (and about a 30m ride on the tube).

Total Venice Beach vibes, the good and bad.

During daylight hours we loved thumbing through records, all of the unique crafts, jewelry, clothing, street art, and interesting people.

Goth and punk stores were giving ghost of Hollywood Blvd past and I am here for that now and forever.

Amy Winehouse is everywhere.

Zombiepunk4(IG) was right by Lock Bridge with a ton of his friends selling selfies and talking shite to tourists.

Food stalls were hit or miss but there were many choices. It was windy AF and freezing so the hot mulled wine warmed my soul.

Didn't love every single t-shirt shop (bands, weed, touristy themes) manned by aggressive sellers, plus the counterfeit goods - Gucci sneakers for $20? K. Seeing that made me question every other shoe shop that looked legit.

When we saw that the Lost Souls pizza pop up at True Romance didn't open til 5, we made a mental note to return later.

Damn - this area hits different after dark on a weeknight, kids. Full Silent Hill meets Raccoon City.

The shoppes and markets were closed and shuttered, and the already long walk from the subway felt much longer.

Pizza was sold out and there were not many other options open :(

Yeah, there were people around but no friendly faces, so my spidey sense told me it was time to go.

Fear can be fun, but lasts about as long as a roller coaster ride. So, as there was nothing legal left to do there we retreated back to our part of town for the rest of the night.

Definitely worth a visit if you have time (while the sun is up).

As you're slowing down to avoid that cop on Preston who sits in the same spot every morning waiting to ruin your day, please take a moment to think about your drive-thru coffee options.

There are two, and both start with an S.

Scooter's is smaller and newish and I have been a few times - as a result, I'm definitely impressed enough to choose it over the corporate coffee overlord down the street. Plus, change is good, right?

You may be asking yourself "Why should I care Bitsy?"
Well, first of all, rude! You sound grumpy and are probably in need of coffee.

But honestly, I am taking the time to write this review because when I saw the dancing coffee cup mascot out front this morning, I worried Scooter's is not getting the love it deserves.

Why you should try them:
App with rewards!
Oat and almond milk for the nondairy fam
Matcha and Chai for the zen fam
Skinny lattes for the diet fam
Smoothies for the healthy fam
+Delicious food - good for you or eating your feelings options
& Fun seasonal treats and drinks

I will say the first time I went it was cuteness overload when someone gleefully told me to "Scoot around to the window" after I ordered, but their cheery dispositions seem genuine or highly caffeinated, maybe both.

Anyway, Scooter's is sure to improve whatever kind of day you're having, even if you just got a speeding ticket.

Scotland's most haunted pub seemed like the best place to have a drink after a nighttime tour of the underground city of the dead.

True to its name, the labyrinth allows you to wander the property and discover a bunch of little bars and areas to drink with various art, music, effects, torture devices to play with, etc.

The themed drinks were whatever and very sweet, but fun at the time I guess. Definitely giving Shinjuku horror bar memories.

After the alcohol kicked in, we found the movie theater. Pretty large, and already filling up.

I can say up until that moment I had never heard of a cinematic travesty called "The Holy Mountain" and it kinda gave us the ick (based on the reactions, we were not alone), but, I am guessing they chose it on purpose.

Apart from the fact that I am still trying to Eternal Sunshine scenes in that movie from my brain, the bartenders were cool, the music was good, the creepy factor satisfied my inner goth girl, and it was a good time.

How can I give more than 5 stars?

FYI - I am a Marriott girly because they reward my loyalty and because consistency is key when I travel.

I also value a unique experience, which tends to draw me to Autograph Collection hotels whenever possible. Who doesn't love a theme?

What a beautiful property this is, all twinkly and sparkly with holiday decor in the wintery Dublin darkness.

We arrived at like 6-something AM after flying all night for a 3PM check-in, hoping for some sympathy and early entry, but planning to drop our luggage and have breakfast while we waited.

Not only did we get the room immediately, but we got an upgrade.

Total Ritz vibes from the genuinely warm, welcoming, friendly staff who anticipated our every need.

The room was perfect, spotless, and spacious.

Thank you, CG for the hospitality! This was the perfect way to kick off a trip to the "Land of a Thousand Welcomes."