A Proustian Travel Guide: Brad Olson

Name: Brad Olson
Profession: Vice President, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG)
Age: 34
Location: Mexico City

What are you most proud of?
Helping to create amazing, once in a lifetime experiences for our SPG members, whether that’s an unforgettable proposal or a private tennis lesson with Chris Evert at the U.S. Open.

What is your most cherished possession?
A painting by my late grandmother. It’s on display in our apartment in New York.

What was the best gift you’ve ever received, and who was it from?
Tickets to see Stevie Wonder perform at Madison Square Garden, from my boyfriend.

When traveling, what do you never leave home without?
Jambox and running shoes.

Describe the perfect weekend in Mexico City.
Check into Le Méridien, Mexico City and freshen up, then Uber directly to Pujol and splurge on the amazing seven-course dinner. Sleep in on Saturday, then head down Paseo de la Reforma to go for a long run around Bosque de Chapultepec (huge park in the city center). While away, spend the afternoon at Museo Soumaya, a stunning building with some tremendous art inside. Enjoy a more casual dinner on Saturday, then head for drinks al fresco at La Terraza at Condesa DF, a member of Design Hotels that now also participates in SPG. On Sunday, stroll the weekly antiques street market at La Lagunilla before heading to the airport.

Tell us about your favorite restaurant, café or bar. 
I absolutely love Mercado Roma, a food market with over 50 vendors and the best cactus tacos on earth. There’s even a German Biergarten on the rooftop. Next on my list to try is J by José Andrés at the W Mexico City – it’s a blend of Mexican and Spanish cuisines, like Mexican queso fundido made with Spanish Manchego.

Where is the most unique shopping experience?
I always find something unique at Caballería, an old townhouse in Juárez with four stories of men’s clothing, accessories, grooming products, an old-school barbershop, and even a tattoo parlor (for those more adventurous than me).

What do you dislike most about the destination?
The abysmal traffic and resulting smog. But the city is taking steps to improve things, from an expanded Metro system to a great bike share program called EcoBici – think Citi Bike, but red.