Travel Advisor

Alex Catarinella

He/Him

Expertise

Tokyo,
Hong Kong,
New York City,
Amsterdam,
Luxury Travel,
Boutique Travel,
LGBTQ+ Travel

Based in

New York City

Travel Advisor

Alex Catarinella

Profile details

About

Hotel-obsessed traveler and travel writer. Based in NYC but often dreaming of Tokyo.

Follow Alex

Travel style

I'm here to make your dream trip a reality. Want to stay at an oasis in the sky that offers some of the best views in Tokyo? How about a hip Amsterdam hotel overlooking an Instagrammable canal? Whether you're a fan of luxe properties or intimate boutique hotels, I've got you covered.

Alex's travel guides & trip reports

A building with Japanese architecture that showcases hanging lanterns, potted plants and a bicycle parked outside in front of it.

Guide

Explore Tokyo Like a Local

Name a more dreamlike destination than Tokyo. I’ll wait. From opulent hotels tucked in cloud-brushing skyscrapers and a crazy, sexy, cool nightlife scene to tranquil temples and historic shrines, the ...

Trip Report

Hotel Review: The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, a Luxury Collection Hotel

The kaleidoscopic views alone make staying at this beyond-stylish oasis in the sky worthwhile. Opened in 2016, the 250-key property, designed by architecture and design practice Rockwell Group in...

A view of Hong Kong's mountains and buildings from a hotel window.

Trip Report

Hotel Review: The Upper House in Hong Kong

One of the most luxurious addresses in all of Hong Kong (and the winner of the #4 spot on The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023 list), this André Fu-designed, cloud-piercing, luxury hotel will blow your...

A man posing with a cocktail and the Empire State building in the distance.

Trip Report

Hotel Review: The Rebirth of the Iconic Prince Kitano New York

The perfect hotel does exist, and it’s located at 66 Park Avenue. I’m specifically talking about The Prince Kitano New York, the first Japanese-owned hotel in New York City. Formerly known as The...

A view of Hong Kong as the sun rises from a hotel window.

Trip Report

Hotel Review: Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong

The Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong has been one of the vibrant city’s most luxurious home-away-from-homes for years. For proof, look at any “Best Hotels in Hong Kong” guide, and you’ll be sure to find...

An aerial view of the New York city skyscrapers and smaller brick buildings and yellow taxis in the street

Guide

Downtown NYC: Where to Eat, Drink, Shop and Stay

There’s no place like downtown New York City. I’ve lived below 14th Street since 2007 for a reason! From the ever-electric and edgy East Village to the swanky, fashionista-filled SoHo, downtown NYC...

A picture of the street with neon colored sign boards at nighttime.

Guide

The Best LGBTQ+ Friendly Spots in Tokyo

Are you considering booking a trip to the best place on earth, a.k.a. Tokyo? I know I always am, because — understatement alert! — the exhilarating megalopolis has so much to offer, including...

Looking up at a dense cluster of high-rise apartments with numerous air conditioning units on their exteriors.

Guide

The Ultimate Instagrammable Guide to Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the most picturesque places on the planet. There are jaw-dropping sights and Instagrammable opportunities everywhere you turn, from colorful street art and ancient shrines to that ...

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Favorite hotels

The Upper House

Chic hotel in a high-rise building with modern suites and city views.

Fora Perks

★
$100 hotel / resort credit.
★
Breakfast daily.
★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong

Experience luxury redefined at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, where stunning views and impeccable service meet.

Fora Perks

★
$100 hotel / resort credit.
★
Breakfast daily.
★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Trunk Hotel

Minimalist eco-chic hotel in Tokyo boasting modern rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, a stylish restaurant and a hip bar.

Fora Perks

★
Hotel / resort credit.
★
Breakfast daily.
★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

The Bowery Hotel

Classic New York hotel with utmost service and a feeling of yesteryear at the hotel lounge.

The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon

Luxe hotel in the heart of Tokyo with sophisticated rooms and suites.

Fora Perks

★
$100 food / beverage credit.
★
Breakfast daily.
★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Alex's travel photos

Posing for a picture in an apartment complex

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Alex's reviews

Alex's hotel knowledge and recommendations were instrumental in making my stay comfortable.

Hiroki O.
Booked travel to Tokyo
November 2024

Alex intently listened to my description of what I wanted to experience on my visit to the sea. He then delivered beyond my expectations! I could not be more satisfied. I had some special requests and he promptly secured them for me. Upon arrival, everything was exactly as I requested. A perfect trip to the sea and thankful for Alex’s expertise.

Linda E.
Booked travel to Vietnam
October 2024

Very professional and exceptional agent! Was very communicative and provided fast response in pricing and recommendation. I would definitely want his help on future travels plans and trips!!!

Wilson C.
Booked travel to Tokyo
October 2024

Working with Alex was great! He really understood what I was looking not only of the hotel, but also which neighborhood to stay in! Thanks to Alex I was able get some incredible perks from the hotel! I definitely intend on using him again and would highly recommend him to anyone that is looking to book travel in the future!

Shaobo H.
Booked travel to Tokyo
September 2024

Alex Catarinella curated by Alex Catarinella

Get in touch with Alex

Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

You can normally expect a response from Alex within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).