Extravagant hotels can sometimes be amazing places to hang out, even if you’re not a guest. Once you get over the intimidation of walking into their heavily guarded entrances, you’re often bound to find yourself surrounded by luxury. I had the pleasure of discovering the lobby of the Hotel De l’Europe a few nights ago. It’s a stone’s throw from the university I’ve attended for several years, but I never had the nerve to walk in. Until now.

We headed for the bar but it was full of Americans smoking cigars. In order to save our freshly washed hair and clothes (not to mention our lungs), we requested our drinks be brought to the lobby. And there we sat, with a delicious glass of wine and an eyebrow raising assortment of goodies to complement the cup of tea, enjoying the quiet, lavish surroundings. It's the perfect way to end (or begin) a special evening.