Category: Staying

The centrally located Hotel Teatro (meaning “theater” in Portuguese) is indeed full of artful drama. Housed at the old theater Teatro Baquet, its large entrance door opens up to corridors, common areas and a reception decorated in dark velvet and golden colors, with theatrical costumes on display and phrases and images from plays depicted on walls, carpets and curtains. We found the small inner courtyard… Read more »

One of the classiest and most beautiful hotels in northern Portugal, the Hotel Palácio do Freixo, is considered a national monument. Once an aristocratic mansion, the stunning property is set within a baroque palace and the owners, the Pestana Group, have been able to preserve the original classic and opulent ambiences. A super relaxing swimming pool overlooking the Douro adds to the allure, as do… Read more »

The Hotel Pestana Vintage was perfectly located to enjoy Porto’s quintessential Ribeira and a short walk took us to many of the city’s attractions and neighborhoods. We particularly liked the hotel’s bar and outdoor terrace, by the river promenade, overlooking small colorful buildings and the city’s famous iron bridge. The property used to be a 4 star hotel and has been recently upgraded, giving the… Read more »

The Yeatman Hotel  in Vila Nova de Gaia, on the other side of the Douro River,  has one of the most amazing hotel views in Porto. Our stay at this hotel was one of our best experiences in the city and our high expectations were completely met, and possibly exceeded. The property is ample and upscale with jaw-dropping views, first class service and superb food.… Read more »

Location, location, location. If your chosen area is the Rive Droite than the Opéra Richepanse is one of the best hotel options in Paris. A five-minute walk in different directions will take you to Place de la Concorde, Madeleine Church, Louvre Museum and the Tuileries Gardens, Place Vendôme, and fashionable Rue Saint Honoré, as well as to metro stations. This boutique and small hotel is… Read more »

A really nice hotel in Rive Droite, conveniently located a twelve-minute walk to either the Louvre Museum or the Marais neighborhood. It’s near theaters, the Folies Bergere cabarets and the Opera. The hotel is beautiful and its style is Art Nouveau with a contemporary twist, many of its features are actually original, like the mosaics on the ground floor, some of the sculptures and the… Read more »

Le Senat is located in Saint-Germain-des-Prés right across the street from Jardin Luxembourg, it is a perfect pick if you enjoy walking around (in this case wonderful) gardens or exercising in fresh air. The building is quite old yet has been recently renovated to become a very pleasant venue for a relaxed stay in town. The reception and lobby areas are nice with a modern… Read more »

The Hotel Madison is conveniently located in the heart of charming Saint-Germain-des-Près, on Saint Germain boulevard and just a few steps away from traditional cafes Deux Magots e De Flore, or from some of the new and best restaurants and cafes in town. Still not far from the Rive Droite and elegant 1st district, where you can visit the Louvre, Tuileries Gardens, Place Vendôme, all… Read more »

The Stendhal Place Vendôme has a tiny little entrance, which could easily be missed. The lobby, restaurant and rooms follow the same size standard as the entrance, everything is very small, or tiny rather, yet most beguiling. Do book a suite if you think you may need more space. The location is simply perfect, you will be steps away from the famous Place Vendôme, as… Read more »

What we liked the most about staying at the Numa was that it was located in the charming and quiet Rouppe Square. This area is a good respite from the buzz of the city center around Grand Place, yet only a ten minute walk away from most of the city’s main attractions. The hotel is modern and very comfortable, with design touches and unique details… Read more »

Le Dixseptième a charming historic landmark, which was once a former ambassador’s home among other illustrious inhabitants, is just blocks away from the Grand Place and right by the imposing covered galleries of De la Reine and Saint Hubert. The small hotel has likeable common areas on ground floor, that somehow make you feel like you are in your own home’s living room. A tiny… Read more »

This old style property could be a little more charming, but the location is excellent and the rates are one of the most favorable cost versus benefit choices in central Brussels. The Warwick has a traditional style with classic wooden furnishings, but recent renovations brought comforts to its facilities, like central air conditioning and more modern equipment and amenities, which the staff really emphasized to… Read more »

Located in the heart of the city, the Amigo is probably one of the best hotels in town, a stone’s throw from the Grand Place and from where you will be able to walk to most of the city’s main attractions and great restaurants, cafes and bars. Delightful Sablon district and its museums are just a fifteen minute walk away. This upscale hotel is very… Read more »

Our springtime visit to this typical Kensington architecture property was made even prettier by the wonderful flowers adorning its entrance. The Kensington Hotel is located just blocks away from the tube station, very convenient to explore the whole city of London. A short five minute walk will take you to the glorious Royal Albert Hall and the Natural History Museum, and in just fifteen minutes… Read more »

A typical 18th Century British building houses The Gore, a property that has been renovated and offers all amenities a traveler could expect. Located in South Kensington, just blocks away from the Natural History Museum and a seven minute walk to subway stations, its location is ideal to explore the city, especially considering that this part of town offers more reasonable hotel rates. The Gore’s… Read more »