
Marlene O'Brien
Based in Philadelphia, PA
Trip budgets start at $350/night
Marlene O'Brien
Ask me about
My Story
Equal parts observer and participant, I’m drawn to moments that feel both intimate and expansive. For me, travel is a sensory map: flavors, views, and human connections that tell the deeper story of a place.
Travel Style
I travel with one foot in luxury and the other in the local rhythm—think boutique stays, thoughtful design, and a seat at the table where the real stories are told. My style blends exquisite hotels and unforgettable meals with local texture—because the most meaningful moments happen somewhere between five stars and a street market. I believe firmly in both the comfort of an itinerary and the joy of spontaneity—I think every trip should have a dose of both. Give me a beautiful place to rest and a lesson in local culture—taught either by its people, food, or drink—and my heart is complete.
Reviews (10)
Eugene P.
10 days ago
Marlene was truly exceptional! She is thoughtful, responsive, and incredibly good at creating a trip that feels elevated and effortless. Every step of the way, she anticipated what would make the experience special, and her taste is spot on.
Both hotels she selected were wonderful in totally different ways, and she added touches that made us feel genuinely cared for, including having champagne waiting for us upon arrival at each property, which was such a classy and memorable welcome. She also made everything smooth and easy (communications, confirmations, and the overall pacing), which let us focus on enjoying Italy instead of managing logistics.
If you want a travel advisor who listens, curates with real style, and makes you feel taken care of from start to finish, book Marlene. I’d work with her again in a heartbeat.
Lori M.
2 months ago
Service unparalleled. Genuinely impressed with the service as well as keeping in touch for months while planning. She made everything on our to do list happen and we are all so grateful. Will definitely do business with Marlene again and highly recommend anyone considering to do so as well.
Danielle C.
2 months ago
Marlene far exceeded any expectations I had when we requested her help booking this trip. Not only was she efficient, she had great ideas we never would have thought of, made reservations and recommendations and helped to coordinate many details I didn’t have the energy to organize. Aside from this she was kind, considerate and just a genuine person to work with! I absolutely loved this experience and would highly recommend working with Marlene in the future!
Amelia A.
3 months ago
HIGHLY recommend working with Marlene for any sort of trip planning, but she truly made my honeymoon planning so seamless and stress free. We had the perfect itinerary, stayed at the best hotels, and ate at the best restaurants that she was able to get us reservations for. We had champagne and chocolates waiting for us at both hotels and every dinner/place we went they knew it was our honeymoon because she must have made a note of it in our reservations :) Truly such as special trip and we truly owe it to the time and care Marlene put in to planning it.
Amelia A.
3 months ago
Planning our honeymoon with Marlene was the easiest part by far of my wedding planning process. She seamlessly made our perfect itinerary and was so accommodating any time I changed my mind about something. It was truly such a treat to know I didn't have to worry about planning this trip because I knew I was in such good hands. She is also so responsive which helped me so much since I am a natural worrier and know that I was able to easily get in contact with her at any time put me at ease!
Eugene P.
10 days ago
Marlene was truly exceptional! She is thoughtful, responsive, and incredibly good at creating a trip that feels elevated and effortless. Every step of the way, she anticipated what would make the experience special, and her taste is spot on.
Both hotels she selected were wonderful in totally different ways, and she added touches that made us feel genuinely cared for, including having champagne waiting for us upon arrival at each property, which was such a classy and memorable welcome. She also made everything smooth and easy (communications, confirmations, and the overall pacing), which let us focus on enjoying Italy instead of managing logistics.
If you want a travel advisor who listens, curates with real style, and makes you feel taken care of from start to finish, book Marlene. I’d work with her again in a heartbeat.
Lori M.
2 months ago
Service unparalleled. Genuinely impressed with the service as well as keeping in touch for months while planning. She made everything on our to do list happen and we are all so grateful. Will definitely do business with Marlene again and highly recommend anyone considering to do so as well.
Danielle C.
2 months ago
Marlene far exceeded any expectations I had when we requested her help booking this trip. Not only was she efficient, she had great ideas we never would have thought of, made reservations and recommendations and helped to coordinate many details I didn’t have the energy to organize. Aside from this she was kind, considerate and just a genuine person to work with! I absolutely loved this experience and would highly recommend working with Marlene in the future!
Amelia A.
3 months ago
HIGHLY recommend working with Marlene for any sort of trip planning, but she truly made my honeymoon planning so seamless and stress free. We had the perfect itinerary, stayed at the best hotels, and ate at the best restaurants that she was able to get us reservations for. We had champagne and chocolates waiting for us at both hotels and every dinner/place we went they knew it was our honeymoon because she must have made a note of it in our reservations :) Truly such as special trip and we truly owe it to the time and care Marlene put in to planning it.
Travel ideas (1)

Crabs and Cocktails: A Weekend Guide to Baltimore
A well-guarded secret to those in the know, Baltimore’s charm, history and endless waterfront attractions make it one of the most attractive weekend getaway destinations. Whether you want to walk the cobblestone streets of Fells Point, sip on cocktails while watching the sunset over the harbor, or pull up your sleeves and pick a dozen crabs covered in Old Bay, the city truly has something for everyone. In fact, “Charm City” has undergone such extensive refurbishment in the past 20 years that most natives don’t recognize some parts of it anymore. It has made it the perfect place to dive into for a couple of days of exploration.

Crabs and Cocktails: A Weekend Guide to Baltimore
A well-guarded secret to those in the know, Baltimore’s charm, history and endless waterfront attractions make it one of the most attractive weekend getaway destinations. Whether you want to walk the cobblestone streets of Fells Point, sip on cocktails while watching the sunset over the harbor, or pull up your sleeves and pick a dozen crabs covered in Old Bay, the city truly has something for everyone. In fact, “Charm City” has undergone such extensive refurbishment in the past 20 years that most natives don’t recognize some parts of it anymore. It has made it the perfect place to dive into for a couple of days of exploration.

Crabs and Cocktails: A Weekend Guide to Baltimore
A well-guarded secret to those in the know, Baltimore’s charm, history and endless waterfront attractions make it one of the most attractive weekend getaway destinations. Whether you want to walk the cobblestone streets of Fells Point, sip on cocktails while watching the sunset over the harbor, or pull up your sleeves and pick a dozen crabs covered in Old Bay, the city truly has something for everyone. In fact, “Charm City” has undergone such extensive refurbishment in the past 20 years that most natives don’t recognize some parts of it anymore. It has made it the perfect place to dive into for a couple of days of exploration.

Crabs and Cocktails: A Weekend Guide to Baltimore
A well-guarded secret to those in the know, Baltimore’s charm, history and endless waterfront attractions make it one of the most attractive weekend getaway destinations. Whether you want to walk the cobblestone streets of Fells Point, sip on cocktails while watching the sunset over the harbor, or pull up your sleeves and pick a dozen crabs covered in Old Bay, the city truly has something for everyone. In fact, “Charm City” has undergone such extensive refurbishment in the past 20 years that most natives don’t recognize some parts of it anymore. It has made it the perfect place to dive into for a couple of days of exploration.
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