Window shopping #2
Two French hotels I can't wait to check into, my latest home upgrades, and an airplane seat design that should have stayed on the drawing board
This is Window Shopping, a weekly mini-letter from Window Seat—your stylish scroll through what’s new and noteworthy in the world of travel. Each issue blends timely headlines, personal favorites, and design-forward hotels to keep your wanderlust well-fed.
Happy Valentine’s Day! Whether you’re enjoying time with loved ones or indulging in some well-earned self-care, I hope you’re treating yourself today. I’ll be celebrating with a staycation at Fouquet’s, one of the NYC hotels I’ve been dying to stay at—will report back!! 💌
Would you fly in a double-decker airplane seat? Airbus is exploring “early stage concepts” of the (hideous) design with Aviation start-up Chaise Longue. The appeal for manufacturers is, of course, cramming more seats into an already-crowded space. But for passengers, the supposed appeal is that bottom-row passengers could stretch out their legs, while top-row passengers would get deeper reclining angles—all in economy seating. Sooo curious to hear everyone’s thoughts on this: are you a fan or is it a hard pass?
One of my biggest focus areas for the year is improving my home. 2025 marks five years in my current apartment; I figure it’s time to make this place feel like the sanctuary I want need it to be. Currently, I’m prioritizing:
Transforming the second bedroom into a dressing room, complete with closet systems and the vanity of my dreams
Elevating our bedroom with better feng shui, plus upgraded furniture, textured wallpaper, and new decor elements
Here’s a moodboard for the bedroom vs a progress photo:
One of the biggest improvements so far? Our bedding. I cannot believe how long we slept on sheets we weren’t utterly obsessed with. We’ve found two that have passed the test that we alternate between:
SIJO Cooling Eucalyptus (use code TORIAMBERS for 20% off): I first tried these because they were gifted to me, but now I can’t live without them (and have since purchased another set). They are by far the softest sheets—nothing else compares—and the cooling effect is a must-have for my husband.
BedThreads 100% French Flax Linen (duvet cover pictured above): It took me an embarrassingly long time to come around to linen sheets. I was always afraid they’d feel scratchy, which wouldn’t be worth the beautiful texture they bring to a bed. But these are incredible—they get softer with every wash. Pro tip: You can get two fitted sheets in a set (instead of a flat sheet, if you don’t use those) when you buy a bedding bundle.
Hôtel Château d'Eau—Paris, France
This one has been on my list for a minute now; the rich color palette and sumptuous textures have long called to me. Nestled in the heart of the 10th, it’s just one of many Parisian hotels I’m dying to visit, making the thought of my next trip feel overwhelming in the best way.
Carlton Cannes—Cannes, France
When the above photos popped onto my Instagram feed, I think my thumb paused for an entire two minutes. I skipped Cannes on my first trip to the French Riviera, so it’s at the top of my must-see list for next time. The Carlton, a La Croisette mainstay for over a century, is definitely on my radar. Can you imagine waking up to that view?? I can almost feel the breeze through the screen…
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Tori Simokov is a Travel Writer and Graphic Designer/Strategist based in New York. To get in touch, email tori@v1projects.com. Want more? Check out Instagram, TikTok, or shop her curated favorites.
Im claustrophobic just looking at the new design for planes.
The plane seats! Having panic sweats at the mere thought