We tend to avoid recommending properties that are part of large hotel chains, since they can lack in personality. In this case, however, the opposite is true. The Westin Palace Hotel has an identity of its own and its location is simply perfect, close to world-renowned Madrid museums and many other city attractions. This property is the perfect choice if you prefer a classically lavish… Read more »
Category: Staying
The Citadines is a simple standard property that has been slowly getting an uplift to a more modern and design style. It is located on lovely Gloucester Road (the hotel entrance is on a side street), in Kensington, a five minute walk to the subway, a convenient stay for exploring the city. The region has plenty of diners and café options, including one in the… Read more »
Conveniently located in a quiet street in exciting Soho, a short walk to Piccadilly, Regent Street, Leicester Square and Covent Garden. A variety of pubs, bars and restaurants are in the surrounding area and easy access to subway stations make a stay at this hotel quite a good choice. The colorful décor has a good mix of old and modern features. There is an in-house… Read more »
“Shaken, not stirred” is what first drove us to the Dukes. Ian Fleming was a regular customer of its very small bar, allegedly where James Bond’s famous catchphrase for the martinis was created. It is a lovely hotel, small, charming and cozy, tucked away in a quiet street. Close to subway stations, it is a five-minute walk to Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park, ideal for… Read more »
Located in a residential street in South Kensington, it is only a short walk away from London’s greatest museums and shops. The hotel actually looks like a private residence, and the discreet Victorian terrace building does not give away its sumptuously decorated interior. A mixture of antique and contemporary furniture with ethnic touches in textiles give Number Sixteen a unique design. The hotel has a… Read more »
Ideal for travelers who not only want to experience London, but also enjoy the many theaters located nearby. One Aldwich is a short walk to one of London’s most vibrant regions, Covent Garden, with a great amount of shops, stalls, restaurants, cafés and a lively nightlife. The hotel is modern and contemporary with a pleasant atmosphere, and you will find sculptures and other art pieces… Read more »
The Ampersand is located in the lovely neighborhood of Kensington, an affluent residential area that holds attractions like the Natural History Museum, the Royal Albert Hall and Hyde Park. We found it especially convenient that the tube station is just one block away, as well as the proximity to so many good restaurants and cafes in the surrounding streets. The hotel is housed in a… Read more »
The 1 Hotel in South Beach is a perfect retreat, a boutique hotel that really shows its inspiration in nature, with its natural wooden motif and abundant sea views. Located in the heart of SoBe, this oceanfront property stretches over 600 feet of sand and offers excellent beach service for your days in the sun. The rooftop pools, daybeds (adults only) and ocean-side pools all… Read more »
Hotel EAST Miami is located in downtown on top of the new Brickell City Center. We have stayed more than once at this trendy hotel, and we consider the EAST to be a top option if you choose to stay in the region, enjoy the Design District, the Wynwood Walls, and the abundance of excellent restaurants around. Reception and lobby areas are fashionable and follow… Read more »
At Suite 49 we avoid large hotel chains, the main reason being that they usually lack personality and you feel you are staying in the same hotel all over the world. The Mandarin Oriental in Miami is quite the opposite. The hotel not only has characteristics of its own, but also has one of the most stunning lobbies in Miami, with floor-to-ceiling windows to the… Read more »
The W South Beach hotel follows the standard identity of all W hotels, but we find this beachfront SoBe to be very luring. As is to be expected, the W SoBe lobby is impressive: opulent décor, background music and a chic soirée atmosphere. The clientele is fashionable and likes to dress up. Most of the rooms have stunning views and are larger when compared to… Read more »
Not only a remarkable property, but also an authentic part of history. The estate was owned by an aristocratic family who hosted many members of the European nobility (including the Duke of Windsor), and is mentioned in Eça de Queirós book “The Maias”, one of the most important classics of Portuguese literature. The 18th century grandeur made way to a very small hotel in the… Read more »
The hotel’s name relates to an old consulate building that has been beautifully renovated whilst remaining true to the property’s original architectural features. Overlooking Camões square, its location is quite convenient to explore the many amusing areas in the city. This property is a newcomer in the hotel scene and has been, little by little, attracting a faithful clientele overwhelmed by the outstanding location, the… Read more »
We came across The College Hotel by chance when we decided to extend our stay during our last visit to Amsterdam. As the name suggests, the hotel is a 19th Century building that used to be a school and has been beautifully renovated. The delightful well-preserved architecture is in keeping with its history, with an impressive entrance, a high ceiling lobby with multi-colored bricks, original… Read more »
This property has a deliciously unique vibe, as a mélange of a hotel, restaurant and trendy hang out. If you enjoy staying at places with a dynamic atmosphere, you have found your Amsterdam hotel! The canal-side entrance leads to the main room with a discreet reception area. The décor matches its popular sister property in Shoreditch, London: very stylish ceramic tiles integrated with wooden, iron… Read more »
Sir Albert A small boutique hotel in the trendy De Pijp neighborhood, surrounded by hip shops and restaurants that lure a stylish local crowd. The location is perfect: right by Albert Cuyp market, a five to ten minute walk to some of the loveliest canals and to Museumpleim. Upon arriving at the small cozy lobby, we were greeted by friendly staff with a glass of… Read more »
Are you looking for a charming stay, a gorgeous property and a hilltop appreciation of Florence? Search no further… Hotel Il Salviatino was a truly perfect hotel experience in our most recent stay. It is a property that dates back to the 15th century, meticulously restored some years ago, and converted into a magnificent hotel that embeds the quintessential class and style of Firenze and its… Read more »
Enviably located right in the Nine Streets region, surrounded by canals and neighboring Jordann, your stay at the swanky Andaz will surely be memorable. Although the exterior of the property is unimpressive, upon entering the recently renovated lobby area you will understand why we have given this luxury boutique hotel such high reviews. The décor is unique and sophisticated yet comfortable, with enticing guest areas.… Read more »
Located right in front of Prinsengrachat canal, one of our preferred waterways in town, in the elegant and trendy Jordaan neighborhood, the Pulitzer is simply lovely. Guests are welcomed, catered to and pampered at every opportunity. It has its own small charming boats for private hire, and the fabulous canal rides can include meals specially prepared and served just for you by the excellent waiters.… Read more »
One of our top picks in Amsterdam, this hotel offers contemporary sophistication in a chic property, ideally located two blocks away from Museumpleim, where some of the best Dutch museums are, and the stunning Amsterdam Concert Hall. It has been beautifully renovated in keeping with its original Art Nouveau themes. Music can be heard in the fabulous lobby, often live, located right by a glass… Read more »
