Le Germain Hotel - Quebec City, Canada

Quebec City is one of the most historic and picturesque cities in Canada, and perhaps the world. So, we were excited to learn that our 8-night Crystal Serenity cruise would embark in Quebec City.

After some online research of hotel reviews, one name kept showing up: Le Germain Hotel Quebec, which happens to be ranked by Conde Naste Traveler as one of the 10 best hotels in Canada.

When looking for a pre-/post-cruise hotel, our requirements are pretty obvious. We want a property with a good location, ideally within walking distance of local shops and restaurants. We want a quiet, peaceful room, and a comfortable bed. And, of course, it has to be clean. Le Germain Hotel checks all of those boxes, and more.

Le Germain Hotel Quebec consists of two separate, but connected, towers tucked away on a little street in the heart of Old Quebec. It is within walking distance of the Old Port and a labyrinth of city streets lined with local shops and eateries.

We took an Uber from the Quebec City airport to the hotel ($50 US). We later discovered that local taxis are also available for about the same cost as an Uber. The drive from the airport to the hotel takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

When we arrived, we were greeted and checked in quickly and efficiently. The lobby and reception area has a very rich, classic feeling of a boutique hotel with dark woods and carefully placed artwork.

Behind the reception desk is a seating area and a small bar which is open in the evenings for cocktails and wine. The large fireplace gives the space a comfortable “living room” feeling.

In the basement of the property you will find a nicely-equipped fitness center.

When we opened the door to our Classic King room, we were surprised at how large the room was. Often, boutique hotels, especially in century-old buildings, will have very cramped accommodations.

Classic King Room

We did feel as though the room was a little dark, so we went to open the Venetian blinds for some more lighting and, when we looked out the window, we could see Crystal Serenity docked just a block or two from the hotel!

Across from the king-sized bed is a wall unit with a small desk and chair, a flat screen television, telephone, mini fridge and a Nespresso coffee machine.

The desk is equipped with all of the modern sockets for US-style 110 AC power and USB ports.

MOdern audio/video ports, USB ports and US-Style 110 outlets

The bathroom looked very modern and new. Plush bathrobes and slippers are provided. The vanity surrounding the sink is rather small, but adequate, and there is a nice bottle of hand/body lotion provided (Note: the photo below shows a tub/shower combination, otherwise the bathroom was identical to ours).

Our room had a walk-in shower (no bathtub), which we actually prefer. The shower was large and offered a rain shower head mounted in the ceiling as well as a removable shower wand.

Rain Shower Head

Inside the shower, you will find separate shampoo, hair conditioner and body wash. Bar soap is also provided next to the sink. All of the Ruby Brown bathroom amenities were excellent.

Shampoo, Conditioner and Body Wash

As for the bed, it was extremely comfortable and we both had a great night of restful sleep, due in part to the comfortable pillows, excellent bedding and a quiet room. So, mission accomplished.

The following morning, the hotel offered a continental breakfast (additional cost) with pastries, meats, cheeses, breads, jams, hard boiled eggs and even a warm quiche. Coffee and tea are complimentary.

Continental Breakfast

When it came time for us to check out and head to the ship, had it not been raining, we could have easily walked to the cruise terminal (all of our luggage has wheels). It is literally about one block to the entrance of the terminal.

Cruise Terminal in Quebec City

Should our travels ever take us to Quebec City in the future, Le Germain Hotel Quebec will be our first choice for accommodations. You can reach the hotel for more information, or to book your stay at https://www.germainhotels.com/en/le-germain-hotel/quebec

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Hotel Elysée New York City

One of the first things we do whenever we are confirmed on a cruise is to look for a pre-cruise hotel in the city of embarkation. We prefer to stay in luxury boutique hotels whenever possible. We were very fortunate to be hosted for a one-night stay at Hotel Elysée in New York City, or Manhattan to be more specific.

After landing at LaGuardia, we ordered an Uber to take us to Hotel Elysèe. The Uber X, was the least expensive option and the cost to midtown Manhattan was $65 not including tip.

The drive from LaGuardia to Hotel Elysée only took about 20 minutes. Traffic was not that bad until we got into Manhattan.

photo courtesy of hotel elysée

The facade of Hotel Elysée is undergoing some renovation, so the beautiful image above is somewhat encumbered by construction scaffolding, a common sight on many buildings in NYC. Of course, this construction may be completed by the time you visit Hotel Elysée.

Once inside the hotel, it really does have the feel of an intimate French country inn. Hotel Elysée was opened in 1926, nearly 100 years ago! During that time, the hotel has undergone some renovations, but has retained the classic elegance of that period. In 2017, Hotel Elysée was ranked as the #5 hotel in New York City by Travel and Leisure.

Reception at Hotel elysée

When we checked in, we were shocked to learn that we had been upgraded to one of the Presidential Suites! We were also informed that the computer system that programs the room keys was malfunctioning, so we would have to be escorted to our room by Jesse, a staff member, who could unlock the door for us with a master key. Jesse told us that he has been working at Hotel Elysée since he was 17 years old and that it is the only job he has ever had.

Jesse unlocked our door, revealing one of the most elegant suites we have ever experienced.

Presidential suite 134

The suite has a huge living room with a fireplace, bookcases stocked with books, a sofa and casual seating for up to eight as well as a dining table that can seat six guests. A small desk at one end of the room is positioned across from a baby grand piano! I don’t think we have ever stayed in a suite with a piano.

Our suite even has a very nice-sized kitchen with full refrigerator, stove and microwave. There were no dishes or cutlery provided, but I assume that needs to be arranged in advance.

The bedroom in suite 134

The bedroom is equally impressive with a king-sized bed, elegant seating, beautiful furnishings and a huge free-standing closet complete with mirrored doors. The bathroom is large and equally elegant with a full-sized bathtub and large walk-in shower.

Tub and Vanity Suite 134

Of course, the elegance of these accommodations exists in their Queen/King Deluxe rooms as well.

Queen Deluxe Room

Morning refreshments are available in the Club Room, Monday - Friday 7 am - 9 am; Saturday & Sunday 7 am - 10 am. Selections include:

• Freshly Brewed Coffee and Fine teas

• Cappuccino and espresso

• Orange juice

• Soft drinks & water

• Assorted muffins, danish, scones and croissants

• Fresh fruit

• Yogurt

The Club Room also offers all-day snacks and serves as an all-day living room where you can invite a friend or meet new friends from around the world. No matter the hour enjoy these offerings:

• Wi-Fi in the Club Room and throughout the hotel

• Freshly brewed coffee, cappuccino, espresso, and selection of fine teas

• Assortment of individually wrapped snacks and whole fruits

• Variety of books, magazines, and daily newspapers

• Computer station with printer

Comfortable Seating at The Club Room

As far as the hotel’s location, it is on E 54th Street between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue, within walking distance of Central Park. This is an upscale boutique hotel that should be considered by any cruise traveler embarking or disembarking a ship at Manhattan Cruise Terminal. For more information, check out the hotel’s website at https://libraryhotelcollection.com/en/hotel-elysee.html.

Hotel Elysée is perfectly located for pre-/post-cruise travelers. The hotel is only about a 15-to-20-minute drive from Pier 88 at Manhattan Cruise Terminal. This was only a $25 Uber ride for us when we transferred to the port.

Hotel Elysée should be on your short list of luxury boutique hotels when you find yourself on a a cruise that embarks and/or disembarks in New York City. And please, don’t fly into NYC and go right to the ship. Spend at least three or four days to explore this amazing city before or after your cruise.

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Pera Palace Hotel, Jumeirah, Istanbul

There are the handful of hotels around the world that are actual historical landmarks. The Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah in Istanbul[end] is one such hotel. Overlooking the magnificent Golden Horn, Pera Palace is located in the Tepebasi district of Pera once known as 'Little Europe'. Fortunately, Pera Palace has retained the charm of the 19th century elegance while integrating the latest state-of-the-art in technology. After all, this was the first building in Istanbul to provide hot running water for its guests and was home to the first electric elevator in Turkey!

We checked into Pera Palace after a long flight from Dallas, Texas, to Istanbul. We arrived at just before 6pm and were greeted in 5-star fashion with a complimentary glass of local apple juice at check-in. Check-in was a breeze and within minutes we were being escorted to our Deluxe Golden Horn View King Room with private balcony on the 3rd floor. The real treat was a ride in the 100+ year-old elevator, which is still in operation. Of course, modern elevators are also available, but how often do you get the chance to ride in a piece of history? The historic aspects of this beautiful hotel are evident throughout. In the lobby is displayed a sedan chair that was used to transport hotel guests arriving on the Orient Express from the train station to the Pera Palace. It was carried by four "bearers." The list of famous people who have stayed here is long and includes such names as Hemingway, Garbo, Christie, Hitchcock, Gabor, and King Edward VIII, to name a few. The great leader and founder of modern-day Turkey, Ataturk, stayed frequently at the Pera Palace and today Room 101 is a museum filled with Ataturk memorabilia.

Pera Palace was designed in a blend of Art Nouveau, Oriental and Neoclassic styles and original 19th century features, including precious, White Carrara marbles and exquisite Murano glass chandeliers were conserved when the hotel was renovated in 2008 and restored to its original grandeur while adding state-of-the-art technology.

Golden Horn View King room

As might be expected from a 5-star hotel, our room was unrivaled for comfort and beauty. Everything looked fresh and new. The room was spotlessly clean and everything was in its place. The views on the large, wall-mounted flat-screen television with satellite programming took a back seat to the view of the Golden Horn available by simply pressing the controls to electrically open the plush draperies and then opening the balcony door. We could see the Golden Horn in the distance and could also see a few large mosques. The street below was quite noisy, but when you closed the balcony door, the noise was gone. We had a small table and one chair situated on our balcony.

All rooms and suites are furnished with handwoven carpets, special fabrics and artworks, and the marble bathrooms resemble a traditional hammam. Our bathroom had a claw-foot tub behind an enclosure so you could use it as a shower. The rain-shower head had plenty of water pressure and we always had hot water. The wall of the shower facing the sleeping area is made of a lovely patterned frosted glass and when the bathroom lights are on, the light shines through this glass wall into the sleeping area. You can also see a silhouette of the person showering. This didn't really bother us, but it is worth noting. The vanity had a single sink and a shelf below that could be used for stowing your items. A lighted magnifying makeup mirror was attached to one wall at the end of the vanity. Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, bar soap and body lotion were provided, along with a nice loofah mitt. Of course, the Turkish towels were plush!

Our room came with two robes and two pairs of slippers and a hair dryer could be found in one of the drawers in the armoire closet. There was a dresser with three large drawers and a desk with chair. Internet speeds were good and WiFi is complimentary. Bottled water is complimentary and replenished twice per day in your room.

There are pictures hung on the wall depicting various aspects of the hotel's history. A beautiful chandelier graces the ceiling and there is a lamp on each nightstand beside the bed. A chaise lounge is situated on one side of the bed and it is comfortable for reclining. A full-length mirror is attached to the wall across from the armoire.

One feature that we had never seen before but thought was a terrific idea was the presence of a charging station inside the safe! When you put your electronics inside the safe, you can charge them at the same time. What a great feature!

The sunset over Istanbul from our Deluxe Golden Horn View room

After a long day of flying, we were not really in the mood for a heavy meal. We decided to visit the Orient Terrace, the hotel's patio cocktail lounge that also offers a menu of light snack items. As the sun began to set, Rickee and I enjoyed an excellent selection of dips along with our favorite beverages. The service was crisp and professional and the ambiance was delightful.

Enjoying a light meal at Orient Terrace

After our light meal, we were exhausted from all the travel, so we quickly returned to the comfort of our room. There is nothing more important than a comfortable bed to help shed the effects of jet lag and the bed in our Golden Horn View room was superb. A comfortable mattress and the highest quality linens made for a very restful night's sleep. A pillow menu is available if you don't like the pillows on the bed.

The next morning, I wasted no time in making my way to the Agatha Restaurant (named after Agatha Christie, a frequent guest at the hotel where it is said she completed Murder on the Orient Express) for the breakfast buffet, which is served daily from 6:30am to 10:30am. An expansive buffet is complemented by eggs made-to-order from the open kitchen. Everything was delicious.

Agatha Restaurant

Unfortunately, our brief stay at Pera Palace this trip did not allow us to enjoy lunch or dinner at Agatha Restaurant. That is a shame because the menu looks amazing. Oh well, I guess we will just have to return for another visit in the future. We also did not have time to visit the Pera Spa, a traditional Turkish bath whose roots go back to the Roman Empire. In addition to the Turkish bath, the spa has a steam bath, Jacuzzi, sauna, a fully equipped gym and an indoor jet-streamed swimming pool.

During our stay, we used the services of Concierge on a couple of occasions and found the entire staff to be friendly and helpful. The Turkish people are generally very warm and friendly, and the staff at Pera Palace exemplifies those characteristics.

Whenever we travel to special cities around the world, we always try to spend at least two to three days exploring all that the city has to offer. If you are planning to embark or disembark a cruise in Istanbul, plan at least three days to take in this incredible city. And, if you want to treat yourself to something really special, book your stay at Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah, Istanbul. Unquestionably, this is one of the greatest hotels in the world!

To check their website for more information click here.

09032018

Fairmont Peace Hotel, Shanghai

Flashy, new, gleaming high-rise hotels are great. And, there certainly is no shortage of modernity in the booming city of Shanghai. But[end], nothing compares to the elegance of an historic property that has been fully restored and brought back to its glory. The Peace Hotel, Shanghai’s legendary hotel address since 1929, is a cherished city landmark that was revived in 2010 by a team of top designers, architects, historians and management experts.

After a three-year restoration process, the Fairmont Peace Hotel was complete. During the restoration, the hotel underwent a detailed structural study to define and reinstate the original floor plan and design schematics.

Entering the hotel through one of four vintage revolving doors, guests immediately feel a sense of the style and sophistication of its 1930s heyday. Ornately carved original moldings throughout the hotel are another reminder of past glory.

Just off the lobby, the ground floor has been restored to its original function as a Retail Arcade featuring luxury brand flagships across custom-patterned stone mosaic floors. Guests can experience the same arcade interior planning and grand-scale lobby that guests did when the original hotel opened in 1929.

Fairmont has combined 1930s period flourishes along with contemporary comforts and cutting-edge technology in guest rooms. Luxury materials of the day, such as grey-vein marble, Noir St. Laurent dark limestone and walnut burl grain woods, adorn the interior surfaces. A soft buff and blue color palette, ornately coffered ceilings, polished copper balustrades and Lalique glass fixtures can be found throughout.

Vintage furnishings conceal state-of-the-art in-room technology, like a 37-inch plasma TV, Blu-ray DVD player and wireless and Broadband Internet with ‘plug-and-play’ connectivity. Marble clad bathrooms feature double vanities, a bath-side LCD screen and rainforest shower.

Many of the Fairmont Peace Hotel’s sumptuous dining venues assume their original locations within the hotel and once again become the most prestigious tables on the Bund. Chic European elegance defines The Cathay Room, which steps out to an expansive ninth-floor terrace.

Original coffered ceilings and carved pillars complement the refined Shanghainese cuisine at Chinese restaurant Dragon Phoenix. Mezzanine level cigar and wine bar Cin Cin, a new addition, and ground-floor Jasmine Lounge, famous for its high tea tradition, allows guests to enjoy the ambiance of the restored legendary address while the Jazz Bar faithfully revives a Shanghai institution.

Going so far as to improve on tradition, Fairmont Peace Hotel also welcomes the addition of a Willow Stream Spa, fully equipped Fitness Center and private sky-lit swimming pool. These wellness offerings are located in a sensitively designed low-rise extension to the original heritage building.

We arrived the the Fairmont Peace at around 9pm after 20 hours of flying from DFW and missing a full night of sleep. Needless to say, we were exhausted. As soon as our car pulled up to the hotel, a bellman greeted us and took our luggage. We were recognized by the Reception as Fairmont Gold guests and escorted to a private check-in on the 9th floor. Fairmont Gold guests have access to a variety of special amenities, one of which is the elegant concierge lounge on the 9th floor. Discerning guests will find Fairmont Gold well worth the additional cost.

After a quick check-in, we were escorted to our suite on the 7th floor. The only word that can accurately describe our room is "amazing". We entered into a small entryway with a mini-bar/coffee bar with espresso machine. Two queen-sized beds, a large desk, sofa and coffee table were in the bedroom. The carpeting, upholstery and overall decor looked fresh and new and were very tastefully executed. A closet area connects to a large marble bathroom with separate shower, toilet and claw-foot bathtub.

The mattresses and bedding were as good as you will find anywhere, and better than most. After being awake for more than 24 hours, a comfortable bed is a godsend. Peace Hotel delivers. The marble bathroom features a large glass-enclosed shower with rainshower head, a full-size claw-foot bathtub, marble vanity and and secluded toilet. A large closet/luggage storage area is positioned between the bathroom and bedroom. Solid-core, heavy, sliding pocket doors with affixed full-length mirrors separate the rooms. The suite's coffered ceilings are high and exude elegance only found in legacy properties.

As good as the accommodations are at Fairmont Peace Hotel, they pale in comparison to the warmth of the hotel staff. Every employee is smiling, pleasant and very accommodating. When staying in a foreign and unfamiliar country, it is nice to come "home" to a comfortable, inviting environment. Fairmont Peace Hotel provides that comfort.

We have been extremely fortunate over the past ten years to experience some of the most highly regarded hotels and resorts in the world. Fairmont Peace Hotel will be regarded as one of our all-time favorites. Not only can we highly recommend this hotel, we will definitely return should our travels bring us back to Shanghai.

Hotel Maya - Doubletree - Long Beach, CA

When it came time to embark our first cruise ship in Long Beach, CA (Carnival Panorama), we decided a pre-cruise stay was in order. Our choice for this trip was Hotel Maya, a Doubletree-Hilton property located less than a mile from the cruise ship terminal.

We flew in to LAX from DFW and took Uber to the hotel on a Friday afternoon. FYI, the drive to the hotel took just over an hour in the traffic and the Uber Comfort cost $60. Upon arrival, we were able to check-in promptly and obtain the keys to our room. The staff at the front desk was friendly and efficient.

The property is a multi-building design with the hotel reception, banquet and restaurant located in Building 1. Our Deluxe King room with a view was located in Building 3. The room was quite large, an indication that this is an older property, and there were other signs as well. A popcorn ceiling, minimal AC outlets at the desk, and lack of any USB charging ports also point to an 80s-era build. Nevertheless, the decor looked to be recently updated. The bathroom was small, but all fixtures appeared relatively new.

A large sliding glass door leads out to an expansive balcony with an unobstructed view of the marina and a small sandy “beach” outside the room. A fire pit is used for evening marshmallow and smores roasts.

Balcony overlooks “beach” and fire pit

The Queen Mary is permanently moored in Long Beach and is now a hotel and tourist attraction. From our balcony, we can see the bow of the Queen Mary peeking through the two large palm trees. Less visible is another Carnival ship docked at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal.

The Queen Mary is Permanently Docked In Long Beach

As we sat on our balcony in the early evening, we could hear music playing somewhere off in the distance. Across from Queen Mary, there was a music festival about to begin. We could see dozens of groups walking along the waterfront on their way to the festival. This was the first hint of things to come for the evening.

As the evening turned into nighttime, the music from the festival became only louder and louder, with heavy bass notes literally vibrating the all-glass wall and sliding door in our room. This went on until well after 2am, making any restful sleep impossible. Thankfully, we were able to use our Bose Noise-Cancelling headphones to filter out some of the sound and get a little sleep. It was not until the next morning did we notice that the hotel provides earplugs on the bedside table! I have never seen that before! That combined with a written “Party Policy” on the desk would indicate that noise is the rule and not the exception.

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Ear PLugs and Party Policy

A hotel staff member told me that it is not uncommon for groups of 4 young people to share the cost these rooms for parties on weekends. Believe it or not, the loud music fired up again at 8:30am the following morning!

Due to the hotel’s close proximity to the Long Beach Cruise Terminal, we decided to walk to the ship the next morning. The hotel does provide a free shuttle for cruise ship passengers, but since we are traveling with only carry-on luggage, it is an easy 11-minute walk.

If you are looking for a hotel conveniently located to the cruise ship terminal, Hotel Maya may be the perfect choice. However, you should inquire about any festivals that may be scheduled during your stay. Also, a room in Building 1 or Building 2 would put you farther from any noise. Unfortunately, because of our personal experience, I think we will look elsewhere for a hotel should we sail from Long Beach in the future.

Four Seasons Hualalai, Kona, Hawaii

Paradise is perhaps the most overused word in the travel industry. But, there are times when no other word can be used to describe a place. The Four Seasons Hualalai in Kona, Hawaii, is just such a place. While the focus of our Great Cruise Hotels micro-site is pre-/post-cruise accommodations, it should be noted that the Four Seasons Hualalai is a destination in and of itself. Therefore, if your cruise vacation takes you to Kona, don't simply book one or two nights here. Plan on at least four nights to take in all of the special things this property, and island, have to offer.

When we arrived at Four Seasons Hualalai, we were greeted in the open-air lobby with beautiful leis and then were escorted to Jason, one of the reception staff. He invited us to sit in the lobby on a sofa with a tray of welcome goodies including guava juice, pineapple and cold towels on a table in front of us. We felt special from the moment we arrived! Check-in was quick and painless and soon we were walking to our Oceanview Deluxe Room (#813). Upon entering the room, we were immediately reminded of what we loved about this resort when we stayed here back in 2001. The view of the Pacific ocean from our second-floor lanai is breathtaking.

Oceanview Deluxe Room

With only one day to enjoy this place, we wasted no time in changing into our swimwear and heading down to King's Pond which, by the way, just happens to be steps from our room. King's Pond is a 1.8-million-gallon lava rock aquarium, home to 4,000 tropical fish and spotted eagle rays. But, it's much more than that. This is an aquarium in which you can swim! Complimentary snorkeling gear is provided to guests and there are several partially-shaded lounging "huts" surrounding the lagoon. Even though the aquarium is fed by the waters of the Pacific ocean, it is completely "protected" and totally calm. Guests are encouraged to bring kids along for eagle ray feeding at designated times.

King's Pond

We grabbed snorkel gear from the attendant and picked a secluded, shaded "hut" with two loungers on the edge of the pond. Soon, we were in the cool water snorkeling with more than 3500 fish. I took my GoPro into the water to capture some video of the adventure. It was great fun just floating on top of the pond and seeing all of the colorful fish. Afterwards, we dried off on the loungers, which have been fitted with plush towels.

Rickee snorkeling in King's Pond

We spent the rest of the afternoon just taking in all that the resort's extensive beach has to offer. This place is a photographer's dream, and worst nightmare. It is nearly impossible to take a bad photo, but if you do, it is all on you! Rickee and I wanted to get some photos of us with the Pacific in the background and the warm light from the setting sun provided the perfect opportunity.

Enjoying the beach

As the sun begins to set, we return to our room to get ready for dinner. Tonight, we have reservations at Ulu, Hualalai's authentic Hawaiian dining + Sushi lounge. Ulu claims to focus on "fresh local flavors and sustainable dining". We claim it to be delicious!

Ulu Restaurant

We arrived a few minutes early for our 7:30 pm reservation on a Saturday evening and the restaurant was quite full. So, reservations are definitely a good idea. We were seated at an outdoor table with an amazing view of the ocean. And, even though it was dark outside, the sound of the crashing waves is the best background music you can imagine. When I inquired about a Spicy Tuna Roll as an appetizer, something not on the restaurant menu, our waitress informed me that they have a 'Sushi Lounge Menu" and that items can be mixed and matched from both menus. The roll was delicious. Rickee's Gezpacho with spicy grilled shrimp put a smile on her face.

Spicy Tuna Roll at Ulu

For a main course, I had to try the Mongolian Beef. Rickee ordered the Roasted Pineapple Mahi. The Mongolian Beef, with a side order of mushroom fried rice, was near perfection. When I requested the dish to be spicy, the waitress responded by delivering an ominous little bottle of liquid fire that is dispensed with an eyedropper! The prime beef strips were fork tender with a sweet glaze and tossed with oyster mushrooms and a grilled slice of Maui onion. Oh, and the eyedropper hot sauce definitely added the desired kick I was hoping for. Rickee's Mahi was also beautifully presented and delicious. Both dishes were so filling that we had to skip dessert, however, our waitress did offer us the opportunity to order a chocolate souffle that sounded amazing. Maybe next time?

The Mongolian Beef at Ulu

Our meal at Ulu was the perfect ending to a perfect day in Kona. A visit to Four Seasons Hualalai is not complete without a visit to Ulu. For more information on Ulu, visit their website at www.uluoceangrill.com.

After dinner, we walked back to our Oceanfront Deluxe Room where we had a wonderful night's sleep on the Four Seasons Bed from Simmons. This is one of the most comfortable mattresses you will find anywhere. The room is 635 sq. ft. and would easily be considered a "suite" in most properties. The huge bathroom with tub and separate rain shower stall features a dual-sink granite vanity and top-quality amenities. The bedroom/living room includes a small table with two chairs and another chair with ottoman for relaxing. But, the highlight of this room is the spacious lanai with an expansive view of the Pacific Ocean and King's Pond. How many places on Earth can give you a view like this?

The view from our lanai

We were impressed with Four Seasons Hualalai when we spent three nights here in 2003 and our opinion has not changed. This is one of the best resorts in the world, and certainly our personal favorite in Hawaii. We recommend at least four nights here when visiting Hawaii. You could easily spend all four days right on the property. With seven different swimming pools, an amazing beach front, your choice of water toys, King's Pond, a cultural center, incredible spa facility (which we plan to visit on our next stay), and an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus signature golf course, you will not want for things to do. Without question, this is a resort that should be at the top of everyone's travel bucket list.

For more information on Four Seasons Hualalai, visit their website at www.fourseasons.com/hualalai

12152018

W Hotel Fort Lauderdale

We booked a "Fabulous Room" at the W Hotel Fort Lauderdale for a one-night post-cruise stay after disembarking Carnival Breeze in Miami.[end] We arrived at the hotel around 10:30am and, of course, our room was not ready for occupancy. We left our luggage with the Bellman and used the time to explore the property. The hotel "lobby", or what W refers to as "The Living Room"[end], is actually located on the 4th floor of the property. To the left of the Reception desk, there is a large bar/lounge area with comfortable seating and a very long and well-equipped bar, all wrapped in walls of glass looking out over the Atlantic Ocean.

The Living Room

The Living Room gave me the opportunity to take advantage of W Hotel's complimentary Wi-Fi in the lobby (there is a charge for Wi-Fi in guestrooms). The connection and speed was quite good. While I was catching up on blogging duties and checking email, Rickee was exploring the outer deck area of The Living Room. Being four stories above the street allows for a great view of the activity along the beach, which is just across the street from the W. There are several padded seating areas where guests can relax, enjoy a drink, or just soak up some sun.

The outside deck of The Living Room

At around 12:30, I received a call from the front desk telling me that our room was ready. We picked up our keys at the desk and made our way to the 16th floor. When we entered our "Fabulous Room" (1632) we were impressed with the overall size of the space (452-496 sq. ft.). A long desk along one wall holds a flat-screen HD television, a mini-fridge stocked with loads of expensive drinks and some equally expensive snacks to go along with them on top of the desk. The desk made for a good workspace for my laptop and the hotel's guestroom Wi-Fi was fast enough to get the job done.

The desk in our Fabulous Room

Across from the desk were two queen-sized beds, each with four very soft down pillows. The mattresses were a little soft for my liking and mine had a noticeable dip in it. It was probably due for replacement. The linens were high quality and comfortable.

Queen-size beds

The bathroom area is open to the entryway and consists of a small vanity/sink with a large walk-in shower on one side and a "potty room" on the other. A nice selection of BLISS bath amenities is provided for guest use. The frosted glass used on the wall and door of the "necessary room" was a bit too revealing for our tastes. The shower, on the other hand, is one of the nicest you will find. The shower is huge, more than large enough for two people. There is a wooden foot stool/seat and great water pressure from the rain-shower head. Shutters cover the wall of the shower that overlooks the sleeping area. If you open the shutters, you can have a view of the ocean from the shower!

Frosted glass separates the toilet room from the rest of the bathroom

The entire back wall of the room is a sliding glass door/wall that opens to the ocean and the large balcony. The balcony has two chairs, but surprisingly, no table. That's a shame because this would be the perfect spot to enjoy breakfast or an evening drink overlooking the ocean. Being on the east coast, this is the best spot to enjoy an amazing sunrise with a cup of coffee in the morning.

A view of the beach and the Atlantic Ocean from our balcony

Looking directly down from our balcony is a bird's eye view of WET®, W Hotel's pool area. The pool and adjacent pool bar are one of the best features of the W and give the hotel it's "hip" cred. The best way to enter WET is from The Living Room (4th Floor) by walking up stairs that actually pierce through the swimming pool. I have never seen this done before, and it is very cool!

The view of WET® pool area from our balcony

We were at W on a Sunday and WET was really rocking on our visit. A DJ was playing music poolside while attractive young waitresses in bikinis or tight shorts delivered drinks to thirsty guests. The WET pool is the place to be in Fort Lauderdale if you are in the sub-30 crowd. While Rickee soaked up the sun on one of the loungers, I sat at the pool bar and watched the Miami Dolphins defeat the New England Patriots on one of the TVs at the bar. One of WET's attractive bar waitresses, Renee, took my order for a cheeseburger ($16) and a Corona beer ($7). All of the waitresses were pleasant and provided good service from what I could observe.

Loungers and Cabanas at WET®

WET really does reveal W Hotel's target demographic. The hotel has a youthful, hip vibe that really hits home with the 20- to 40-year-olds. Although we did not have the opportunity to dine there, the hotel's Steak 954 restaurant gets rave reviews from critics. If we were staying here again, that would be on our list of places to dine.

The W is one of the largest hotels on the beach

Another great feature of W Fort Lauderdale is its location right across from the beach. Within minutes, you can walk from your room, cross Ft. Lauderdale Beach Blvd and pick out your spot on the sandy beach. It could not be more conveniently located.

W Hotel is located right across from the beach

In summary, the W Hotel Fort Lauderdale is a huge property with an appeal to younger guests. But, anyone young at heart will enjoy the vibe here. Notwithstanding the lumpy bed, the room was comfortable and quiet and had one of the best showers we have ever experienced. And, you won't find a better pool area in Fort Lauderdale if that's your thing. The W Hotel is a great option to consider if you are planning a pre-/post-cruise stay. For more information, check out the hotel's website at www.wfortlauderdalehotel.com.

Originally posted on: 9/11/2014

King George Hotel Athens

The King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is situated between the Parliament and the fashionable Voukourestiou Street, within walking distance[end] from the Acropolis, the Old City of Plaka and other notable sights in Athens. The hotel welcomed its first guests in 1936 but has just recently re-opened after a major renovation project that has brought the hotel back to its original grandeur and elegance. What better place to spend a day, or several days, in Athens?

Athens is one of the greatest cities in the world, and any visit to this historic and amazing city deserves a stay at a memorable hotel. We recently disembarked a 7-night cruise in Piraeus (the port for Athens) and planned to spend a night in Athens before returning to the USA. Normally, we would plan two or three days after disembarking a cruise, but we had visited and toured Athens before embarking this particular cruise a week earlier. As luck would have it, our last day in Athens was our 19th anniversary, so we wanted something special to celebrate the day.

Lobby of King George Hotel

Upon arrival early on a Saturday, we were greeted at the Reception desk in the elegant and tastefully furnished lobby of the King George. The stunning marble floors with inlaid patterns gave us a hint of the luxury that awaited. We had planned to simply drop off our luggage and walk around Plaka until check-in time. However, we were informed that our Grand Suite on the 4th floor was ready and waiting for us! We were immediately escorted to our suite and as soon as we entered, we knew we were in for a special stay. The two-room suite with separate living room and bedroom was huge and richly appointed.

The living room of the Grand Suite

The elegant antique furnishings and beautiful wood floors were complemented by the latest in technology with large flat-screen high-definition televisions. The living room was large enough to entertain up to eight people comfortably and even had a fireplace! Glass doors opened onto a small balcony and the view was amazing. We had Parliament on one side and a view of the Acropolis on the other which was especially impressive at night. The chandelier in the sitting area was absolutely beautiful! It was crystal and adorned with pink crystal roses. Matching wall sconce fixtures were attached to a mirrored wall on either side of the fireplace. A mini-bar with refrigerator is stocked and two complimentary bottles of water are replenished twice each day. The bedroom has a large and extremely comfortable bed with amazing pillows and quality linens. No expense has been spared to make this the ultimate luxury experience. There are large closets in the bedroom and in the entry hall with lights that automatically illuminate when you open the doors. The large marble bathroom has a full-size bathtub and separate shower with rain-shower head. Top quality Moulton Brown amenities are provided. The King George has thought of everything.

Grand Suite bedroom

To celebrate our 19th anniversary, we chose to dine at the hotel's 7th floor restaurant, Tudor Hall. Tudor Hall has a unique neo-classical decor and unrivaled views of the Acropolis. The menu features Modern Greek cuisine, an incredible wine list with a large selection of wines by-the-glass and signature cocktails.

Tudor Hall restaurant

We arrived at Tudor Hall at 7:00pm, early by European standards, and had no trouble getting en excellent table with an unobstructed view of the Acropolis. We started the meal with a bowl of chilled cucumber soup that was refreshing and delicious. My lamb main course was tender and perfectly grilled. Rickee's risotto with asparagus was perfectly cooked and delicious. And, the olive bread with a special reserve Greek olive oil for dipping was a meal in itself. We toasted to 19 wonderful years with a glass of wine as we gazed out upon the Acropolis as the sun was setting on Athens. It was a magical evening that we will never forget.

Toasting 19 years together

After a restful night's sleep in the incredibly comfortable bed, we started the day with an excellent breakfast, again at Tudor Hall restaurant. An extensive buffet offers a wide selection of items and the outdoor patio seating is the perfect way to begin the day. As you might expect from a Luxury Collection Hotel, the service throughout the property is as good as it gets. Every employee goes out of his or her way to make guests feel special and welcome.

The King George Hotel is the perfect place to begin or end your cruise vacation. The hotel is centrally located and within walking distance of Athens' most popular attractions. There is also a spa and fitness center available for guests. There are only two things you need to remember when visiting Athens: Plan on spending at least three days to explore this city, and, book a room or suite at The King George!

For more information on The King George Hotel in Athens, click here.

Originally posted on: 2/9/2014

Acqualina Resort and Spa - Sunny Isles, FL

Oct 21, 2018 - We have spent quite a few pre-cruise nights in South Beach Miami, but never before in Sunny Isles Beach. After an uneventful, and on-time, flight from DFW to Fort Lauderdale, we snagged an Uber ride to Sunny Isles Beach and, more specifically, Acqualina Resort & Spa. The Uber ride took about 30 minutes and cost $27 (plus tip).

Acqualina Resort & Spa on the beach is a luxury seaside property located on 4.5 beachfront acres in Sunny Isles Beach, featuring 98 guest rooms and suites and 188 residences with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

As soon as we pulled up to the entrance of Acqualina, a team of attentive staff hustled to take care of our luggage and escort us to the Reception desk. Check-in was fast and efficient. We were even offered a glass of welcome champagne, a nice touch for sure. Darya, one of the Reception staff, escorted us on a brief tour of the facilities before showing us to our Deluxe Intracoastal Double Double room (1103A).

Acqualina guest rooms offer Intracoastal Waterway vistas and oceanfront views and feature a king-size bed, custom curved sofa sleeper, signature- style wingback club chair, smoked glass and bronze metal coffee table, dresser and desk with bronze glass inlay, desk with integrated media connectivity, desk chair, HD TV, mini bar, private balcony, and bathroom with marble flooring, double sinks, whirlpool tub and glass-enclosed shower. Our room was large, comfortable, quiet and elegantly appointed.

We had little time to explore the property before our 6pm appointment for a couples' massage at Acqualina Spa by ESPA. We arrived early so as to have time to enjoy the steam and sauna prior to our massage. We were treated to a short tour of the spa facilities. Separate men's and ladies' changing areas are equipped with large lockers, complimentary robes and slippers, steam room, sauna and showers. The steam and sauna were both very large and in excellent working order. The entire spa area was spotlessly clean.

After a relaxing sauna, steam and quick shower, Rickee and I were escorted to the Royal Suite by Monika and Liudmila, our masseuses for today. The Royal Spa Suite is uniquely equipped for couples' massage treatments. A variety of Royal Suite packages are available which vary in duration, treatments offered and, of course, cost. Our Royal Spa Suite one-and-one-half hour experience included a 60-minute customized massage for two followed by 30 minutes of relaxation time in the privacy of the Royal Spa Suite. The private relaxation room is outfitted with two comfortable chairs, and was stocked with complimentary tea, water and cookies.

The treatment room has two massage tables with a view of the ocean just beyond the large balcony. We began with a brief consultation on what body areas to focus on and were offered a choice of aromatic massage oils. After the one-hour massage treatment, we both felt relaxed and stress free.

After our massage, we had 30 minutes to enjoy a unique Steam Shower room as well as the relaxation area. A couples' massage in the Royal Spa Suite is definitely something you should consider when visiting Acqualina Resort & Spa.

After our Royal Spa Suite visit, we decided to take an Uber to Kabobji, a local Middle Eastern restaurant just a few miles from the resort. When we arrived, the place was packed, but they were able to get us a table for two. We enjoyed a selection of appetizers and a Lebanese beer. The food was very good, and Kabobji is a place to which we would like to return.

Tomorrow morning we will explore more of Acqualina Resort before we head to Port Everglades to board Island Princess. We can highly recommend Aqualina Resort and Spa as an excellent pre-/post cruise destination.

For more information, go to: https://www.acqualinaresort.com

Shangri-La Singapore

In a city like Singapore, there's no shortage of modern, gleaming skyscrapers. So, you might find it strange that the best hotel is a 40-year old property set on 17 acres. But, the Shangri-La Singapore is no ordinary 40-year old hotel. It happens to be the hotel that launched the luxury brand back in 1971 with only one tower.

Shangri-La Singapore

Today, the Shangri-La Singapore is comprised of three separate towers and a total of 750 rooms. In 1978, the Garden Wing was opened, adding 161 rooms to the complex. In 1982, the Valley Wing added a 17-story tower with another 140 rooms. The Main Lobby is located in the Tower Wing, the original hotel structure, and is nothing short of opulent.

Main Lobby

Due to flight delays and missed connections, we did not arrive at the Shangri-La until 6:15am on the morning after our scheduled check-in. The Main Lobby was where we checked in and even after having been deprived of sleep for more than 35 hours, we were completely blown away. When you step into this lobby, you know immediately that you are in one of the best hotels in the world and expectations begin to grow.

Our check-in went smoothly and, within minutes, we were being escorted to our Deluxe Double Room in the Valley Wing. At 613 sq. ft., the Deluxe Room would easily qualify as a "suite" in most hotels. Valley Wing privileges include complimentary breakfast at the exclusive Summit Room, afternoon tea and daily champagne, wines, juices and canapés at the Champagne Bar and complimentary minibar (excludes alcohol and snacks). 

The Valley Wing is the most exclusive wing of the hotel and was officially opened in 1985.  Since its launch, its unique ambience, combined with personalized services and exclusive facilities, has made it the premier accommodation choice for the discerning traveller who appreciates world-class luxury.

Deluxe Double Room

Our room featured an all-in-one fax machine; Wedgewood tea set with a selection of teas; marble bathroom with double sinks, a bath tub with an LCD television and separate glass-enclosed shower, with rain-shower head; a writing desk; satellite/cable television; coffee-and tea-making facilities; electronic safe and mini bar. Valley Wing guests also enjoy complimentary internet connectivity throughout the hotel. And, Intenet connections and speeds were very good during our short stay.

Deluxe Bathroom

After being up for nearly two days without sleep, thanks to a missed flight connection in Hong Kong and an unplanned 7-hour layover, all we could think about was crawling into bed for some much needed sleep. Fortunately, the double beds (two of them in our room) were super comfortable. The pillows, linens and bedding are of the highest quality, as you would expect from Shangri-La. The room was quiet and there was nothing to disturb our sleep.

After a few hours of sleep, we felt it best to wake up and at least try to get on schedule with local time to help offset days of jetlag. We were invited to join Cheryl Ng, Shangri-La Singapore's Director of Communications, for late lunch at Shang Palace, the hotel's Cantonese restaurant. After two days of nothing but airline food, Shang Palace was a much-needed treat for the senses. Although many of the dishes we tried could be considered 'traditional' Cantonese cuisine, the preparation and presentation were anything but traditional. Needless to say, the meal was superb. Shang Palace will be the first restaurant we visit on our return to Singapore.

After a brief and informative tour of the three wings of the hotel, we readied ourselves for a couples' massage at CHI, The Spa.  CHI, The Spa, was established in December 2012. "It provides travellers with a place for personal peace and well-being." 

CHI, The Spa, reception

After checking in at the spa reception desk, we were shown to the dressing rooms where we shed our clothes, donned the provided massage undies, bathrobes and slippers. Next, we were introduced to our therapists who offered us a cup of delicious, warm lemongrass-infused tea, which we enjoyed while having our feet cleaned with warm washcloths. This is so decadent, and wonderful.

Couples treatment room at CHI, The Spa

Our treatment room was equipped with two massage tables, which we quickly occupied. Over the next 90 minutes, all of the stress of airline travel was masterfully massaged away. The treatment definitely ranks in our top three all-time favorite spa treatments. After the massage, we were invited to relax in the peaceful 'recovery' room with tea and peaceful music.

The next morning, we decided to have breakfast in the Summit Room, located in the lobby of the Valley Wing. A nice selection of cold breakfast items was avalable buffet-style to complement the extensive à la carte menu. Rickee ordered Eggs Benedict, which were poached perfectly and dressed with a delicious Hollandaise atop a crispy English muffin with a tasty slice of Canadian bacon wedged in between.

Summit Room

Our only regret is that Cathay Pacific robbed us of one more night at Shangri-La Singapore. We would have loved to experience more of the property, try some of the different restaurants and the beautiful swimming pool. Even though our stay was a short one, it was long enough to claim this as one of the very best hotels in the world, and one that we look forward to visiting in the future.

For more information, contact www.shangri-la.com/singapore

Originally posted on: 1/22/2016

Four Seasons Gresham Palace - Budapest

In 2004, Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest made its debut as one of the newest historic treasures in the company’s European portfolio[end]. Located on the banks of the Danube River at the foot of the Chain Bridge, the property is the rebirth of the city’s century-old Gresham Palace, acclaimed as one of the world’s finest Art Nouveau buildings with its soaring winter gardens, grand staircases, stained glass, mosaics and ironwork. After a two year $110-million restoration, the 179-room hotel is a dedicated historical landmark that combines the luxurious comforts of the 21st century with the elegance of the past. A spa and fitness center, an indoor pool, the café and restaurant, the Bar and Lobby Lounge and meeting space round out the guest experience.

Gresham Place

The spectacular lobby and reception

We spent a glorious evening at this property as a pre-cruise stay before embarking Viking River Cruises' Viking Hlin for a Christmas Markets cruise. Our 'river-view' room on the 4th floor overlooked the entrance to the famous Chain Bridge. We highly recommend requesting a 'river view' room when booking a stay at the Four Seasons Gresham. A small step-out balcony was the perfect spot for photo taking. As we have come to expect from Four Seasons, the room was beautifully appointed. The bed was amazing, with top-quality linens and comfy pillows. The large bathroom has a separate tub and shower and L'Occitane amenities are provided. At turndown, a bottle of water was left on each bedside table along with a cookie. In the morning, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast at Gresham restaurant. There is no better way to begin or end a cruise vacation than with a stay at a Four Seasons.

The famous Chain Bridge is visible from "river view" rooms and suites

Unrivaled Base to Explore Budapest
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace rises in the heart of the city’s business, art and entertainment district, yet is within easy walking distance of the main sights, cultural activities and shops. Business and leisure guests will find this prestige location the perfect base to explore the city. Serving nine major international airlines, Budapest Ferihegy International Airport is approximately 30 minutes by car from the Hotel.

Pure Art Nouveau
The Hotel showcases a range of 179 spacious guest rooms including seventeen suites. Many reflect the architectural heritage of Gresham Palace, with tall, vaulted ceilings. Many rooms offer views of the Danube or the old city, while others face an intimate interior courtyard.

Romantic Domed Rooms in Two Towers
The unique architectural structure also offers unusual room configurations. The Hotel’s two towers showcase views from all windows of the Danube and Buda. Perfect for privacy and relaxation, each of the two Tower Suites encompasses 63 m² (678 sq. ft.) of spacious luxury on the fifth floor in the top of the towers. They feature a king bedroom with domed ceilings and a large living room on separate levels.

Modern Treatments in an Ancient Spa City
Occupying the entire top floor of the Hotel, Four Seasons Health Club and Spa features a comprehensive range of rejuvenating therapies, massages and spa treatments – from herbal to mud treatments – inspired by Budapest’s rich spa heritage. Some services and local treatments can’t be found anywhere else in the city. Promoting relaxation, invigoration and renewal, the Spa’s facilities include seven private massage and treatment rooms, a sauna, a whirlpool, steam rooms, a relaxation area and an exercise room. The indoor, infinity-edge lap pool is 12 x 4 m (39 x 13 ft.), and provides an excellent opportunity for guests who enjoy an aquatic workout.

Elegant dining at Gresham Cafe

Elegant Italian Dining and the Rebirth of Gresham Café
Amid historic architecture, Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace promises to offer one of the city’s most sought-after dining experiences, with Four Seasons internationally recognized standards for service and unrivaled fare that ranges from light and flavorful Italian cuisine to new interpretations of Hungarian dishes.

The Hotel’s restaurant invokes the elegance and spirit of Art Nouveau.

Modeled on the legendary café frequented by Budapest’s intelligentsia and movers and shakers in the art world, Gresham restaurant offers the historic ambiance of a century ago. It features light, contemporary fare, from local appetizers, such as foie gras, to soups, including Hungarian goulash, sandwiches, salads and a wide selection of mouth-watering Hungarian pastries. Additional seating is available in the Hotel’s foyer.

The spectacular Bar and Lobby Lounge spill into the Hotel’s historic Peacock Passage, beneath its magnificent glass cupola. This is such an inviting place to enjoy a cocktail or a glass of fine Hungarian wine.

For more information and reservations, please contact Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts toll-free at (800) 545-4000 in the U.S. and Canada or log onto www.fourseasons.com. Address: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest, Roosevelt tér 5-6, 1051 Budapest, Hungary. Email: budapest.reservations@fourseasons.com

Originally posted on: 11/27/2014

Shelborne Hotel - South Beach

There's no shortage of trendy, boutique hotels on South Beach in Miami. Perhaps the trendiest hotel we have experienced is Shelborne. Located at the corner of 18th and Collins Avenue, Shelborne is less than a five-minute walk to the famed Miami Beach. The iconic art deco building was constructed in 1940, underwent some embellishments in the 1950s, and stands today as a symbol of modern luxury. We arrived at Shelborne on a Friday afternoon, the day before a scheduled cruise embarking in Miami. The hotel was a beehive of activity when we arrived with what appeared to be overwhelmed valets trying to get several vehicles moved from the crowded driveway. A brand new Rolls-Royce and Bentley were parked prominently in the circular drive.

Shelborne Hotel - South Beach

Once we finally bid our Uber driver adios and entered the hotel, we found the lobby and Reception to be much less hectic than the front entrance. The interior feels modern without the starkness you find in many contemporary designs.

Shelborne Lobby

Check-in took only a few minutes and soon we were in the elevator making our way to the 15th floor and ourOcean Front King with Balcony room.

Ocean Front King with Balcony

The Shelborne website claims this room to be from 290 to 370 sq. ft. I am pretty confident that ours was closer to 290. Even though it was compact, it had every amenity you would expect from an upscale property, and a few you might not. The balcony was quite small, with only space for one chair. However, the view from the balcony was spectacular. It seemed as if the room was meant for only one person as there was one robe and one set of slippers provided and one nightstand and lamp beside the bed.

View from our balcony

The room has a small, but functional, desk with a martini setup, phone and cool LED lamp. A large, flat-screen television is mounted on the wall over the desk. A credenza hides a mini-bar fridge and is topped with a variety of snack items (at additional cost).

The closet has plenty of hanging space plus an electronic safe for your valuables. The king-size bed is comfortable and adorned with top-quality linens and comfortable pillows. But, the best feature of the room is the bathroom. The dual-sink vanity places form over function, but it looks so cool that it doesn't matter. Just try to use the faucet without getting water splashed on the mirror! Good luck. A hinged makeup mirror has been thoughtfully placed on the wall, although ours was loosely mounted and felt like it might come off in your hand if you tugged too hard.

View fullsize

The roomy shower stall, lined with white diamond-shaped subway tiles, was sparkling clean and very functional. All fixtures looked brand new. I wish I had this shower stall in my home!

After we unpacked a bit, and spent a few minutes admiring the beach from our balcony, it was time to visit the hotel's Sarsparilla Bar for Happy Hour (from 5-8pm daily).

Sarsaparilla is located outside, near the hotel's beautiful pool area. It is hot and humid today (typical for Miami), but we find a table under the shaded covering and order the Drink-of-the-Day and a few Dim Sum items to share.

Sarsaparilla Menu

The Drink-of-the-Day, an "Effin Sweet," was a delightful mixture of vodka and fruit juices.

From the Happy Hour snack menu, we ordered Sea Salt French Fries, Pork Belly Steamed Buns (dim sum) and the Tarred N' Feathered Chicken Wings. The three items were more than enough to serve as our dinner for the evening and all were good. However, the Sea Salt French Fries were the highlight of the three.

If we had another full day to spend here, we would have checked out Miami Beach and more of the hotel's amenities. We did take a stroll down Collins Avenue which is lined with shops and restaurants, all within a few blocks of the Shelborne's front door.

Collins Avenue

We were pleasantly surprised that, even though it was a Friday night in South Beach, which can get quite raucous, our room was very quiet and peaceful. The bed was comfortable and we awoke the next morning adequately rested for our embarkation at Port of Miami. Shelborne offers a "Sun, Stay, Cruise" package that will appeal to cruise guests looking to spend some time in South Beach before or after your cruise vacation (which everyone should consider).

There are a lot of hotel choices in South Beach. We feel Shelborne is one of the best.

For more information, visit Shelborne.com

Rickee Richardson and Chris Dikmen are travel journalists for CruiseReport.com

Fairmont Mara Safari Club

Surrounded on three sides by the Mara River, and on the edge of the world’s Seventh “New” Wonder of the World – the Masai Mara - Fairmont Mara Safari Club is the epitome of tented luxury.

The main lodge at the center of camp hosts an indoor restaurant, bar and library with Internet access to keep the relatives up to date with safari adventures. A spacious outside deck overhangs the river and leads to a heated pool, complete with bar and private massage tents.

With four poster, pillow-top beds and a veranda overlooking the hippo and crocodile-filled river, each of the 50 tents at Fairmont Mara Safari Club is superbly furnished with its own private, three-piece bathroom, including a number of “outdoor showers” in select tents.The larger-sized accommodations also feature expanded decks which allow for private dining, a new service. Outdoor dining is enhanced with the creation of a boma, a structure influenced by traditional homesteads, where guests can enjoy a cultural dinner reflecting not only African cuisine but also rich musical accompaniment.

Guests can choose from a wide range of activities at Fairmont Mara Safari Club, including game drives and balloon safaris over the Mara plains capped with a champagne breakfast on the savannah or a stroll in the footprints of the hippo-trodden path escorted by a Maasai Moran. The location provides a perfect base for visiting the Masai Mara, one of the world’s richest wildlife reserves, and home to an astounding array of animals including zebras, cheetahs, wildebeests, gazelles and of course the “Big Five”.

We enjoy a bush breakfast after a morning game drive

Mara Safari Club is what is referred to as a “tented” facility. But, campers be warned, these are not your typical KOA-style tents. Each tent consists of heavy canvas sides and roof mounted to a concrete foundation. Like most tents, you enter and exit through a zippered slit on the front of the tent. Each tent also has a large front porch with a view of the Mara River where hippos and crocs tend to hang out and wallow in the muddy waters.

While the tents look pretty plain from the outside, once inside they reveal all the comforts of a 5-star hotel including a roomy walk-in shower, separate toilet room, vanity and plush towels. The queen-sized bed was very comfortable with nice down pillows. If this is roughing it, you can count us in! There is even a mini-bar/refrigerator inside a beautiful leather covered trunk. We are in tent 47 which is one of the newest ones that also has an outdoor shower (in addition to the indoor shower). It is about a 7-minute walk to the lobby on the stone tree-lined path.

Cosmas, our excellent driver and guide

The open air lobby is only rustic in its decor. The property looks brand new and everything is pristine, just as you would expect from Fairmont. There is a small library off the main lobby with two computers where Internet access is available. However, connection speeds out here in the wilds of Africa are pretty slow. No, they are EXTREMELY slow. But, who comes on a safari for the Internet? You will also notice there are no televisions in the safari camps. Thank goodness.

Game drives are included in the room rates and depart from the lobby each morning at 6:30 am. Afternoon game drives depart at 3:30 pm. Game drives usually last 3 to 4 hours. In the mornings, you will return back in time for breakfast and in the evening, you will be back in time for dinner. Mara Safari Club also offers several optional excursions such as hot air balloon rides, bush breakfasts and Maasai Village Tours.

I think it is safe to say that our stay at Mara Safari Club is one of the most memorable experiences in our personal or professional lives. This is a truly magical place and no Kenya safari would be complete without a stay here. Our only regret is that we did not plan at least four days at this amazing property.

For more information, go to Fairmont Mara Safari Club website

Hotel Basel in Basel, Switzerland

When we booked two European river cruises back-to-back, it meant we would have one night in Basel[end], Switzerland, after disembarking the first cruise and before boarding our second cruise. After some research, we decided on Hotel Basel as our post-/pre-cruise hotel. Hotel Basel is located in the Oldtown, near the Marketplatz and is in an[end] excellent location for shopping, restaurants, and sightseeing. We arrived in Basel by train from Nuremberg and had a couple of options for getting from the train station to the hotel. The first choice was to hire a taxi (approx. 20 - 25 Swiss Franc (about the same $US). The other choice was the local tram, which is free if you have a hotel reservation. We decided to save the money and try the tram.

Hotel Basel

The hotel had previously emailed me instructions on which tram to take to get to the hotel. Basically, tram 8 or 11 will take you to Marketplatz, and the stop is within a couple of blocks of Hotel Basel. The trams are located just outside the train station (Basel SBB). Getting our luggage on the crowded tram was no easy task, but easier than getting off the tram at Marketplatz, which was packed with tourists lining up for the city's Christmas markets. Also, this was Saturday evening, which is even busier than normal. Nevertheless, we shoehorned our luggage through the crowd and found a local restaurant, where the host gladly showed me how to find Hotel Basel.

Hotel Basel decorated for Christmas

It was not hard to see the hotel from a distance with all the Christmas decorations on the outside. When we arrived, Receptionist, Michele, greeted us and checked us in. Our reservation included complimentary breakfast the next morning and we received vouchers for a free drink in the bar! We also received Mobility Tickets which allow for free use of the local trams or buses during our stay. Very nice.

After completing our check-in, we dropped our luggage off in our Classic Double room (107) before heading out on our own to explore Basel on foot. However, before we left the hotel, we stopped off at Sperber Bar for our free drink. We found a couple of empty stools in the crowded bar. It is Saturday evening and the place is buzzing with activity, a good sign. We gave the bartender our drink coupons and she happily poured two glasses of Proseco. Sperber Bar is a 60-seat restaurant/bar serving seasonal cuisine in a casual environment. The Brasserie Steiger is a bit dressier, upscale restaurant just off the lobby of the hotel. The Boulevard Terrace is a 100-seat venue with al fresco dining.

Sperber Bar

After enjoying our Proseco, we walked about three blocks from the hotel to the Basel Christmas market. The hotel is perfectly situated for exploring Basel on foot. The Christmas market here is one of the nicest we have seen during our European Christmas Market tour. The vendors offer a larger variety of products and food items than we have seen so far. On a Saturday night, the crowds can get quite large, but everyone is having a good time. If you plan to visit Basel during the Christmas market, Hotel Basel is an excellent choice.

Basel Christmas Market

We returned to Hotel Basel for a good night's sleep. The Classic Double room is a comfortable size for two people. All rooms are non-smoking, which is good. Every room has a safe, a flatscreen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, a makeup mirror, an umbrella and something you don't often find, a free mini-bar! We found the hotel to be reasonably quiet with only a little outside noise from the street below occasionally sneaking in. The bed and pillows were comfortable and the desk was very usable. The only thing we wished for was a folding luggage stand to put our luggage on.

Classic Double

The next morning, I enjoyed the complimentary breakfast which is held on floor -1. The buffet breakfast was well stocked with anything you could possibly want and the waitress was very good about keeping my coffee refilled.

Breakfast at Hotel Basel

When we checked out of Hotel Basel we both agreed that it offers everything a traveler visiting Basel could possibly want: a comfortable room, a great location, and a friendly staff. We will definitely return to Hotel Basel on our next overnight visit to this dynamic city.

For more information on Hotel Basel, click here.

Banyan Tree - Male, Seychelles

There are few resorts that rise to the level of Banyan Tree, Seychelles. We decided to spend a couple of days recovering from the long flight before boarding our Silversea cruise. When we arrived, we were escorted up the beautiful sweeping staircase to the main building where we were welcomed and taken to the veranda with its magnificent view of the ocean. Here we sat and sipped iced ginger tea and freshened up with a cold scented cloth. A hotel representative came out to the veranda to check us in and give us our room key. After breakfast, we went back to the lobby where one of the hotel employees asked to take our picture. We weren’t sure why and we didn’t really look our best after being on an aircraft since Tuesday, but we smiled and the photo was taken in front of one of the banyan trees. On our last night at this wonderful place, the photo, framed in silk with a small Banyan Tree logo at the bottom, was placed on our bed at turndown as a memento of our stay.

From the lobby, guests are offered complimentary “buggy” (golf cart) rides to the villas, which can be a fair distance away. Each villa has a lockable gate leading to the patio (ours was at the end of a beautiful stone pathway surrounded by vegetation), private pool, outdoor veranda and villa. In case you missed it, I said private pool. The private infinity pool is a great place to take a cool splash after lying in the sun, or to sit and sip cocktails at sundown. After the pool is cleaned each day, lots of beautiful tropical flowers are floated on the surface. Nice touch! There is a large Balinese-style lounger that can accommodate two next to the pool. The private veranda features a teak dining table and chairs and a sofa. A ceiling fan keeps the breeze circulating. The jet-pool, complete with floating blossoms, is built into the large boulders that had most likely been part of the landscape since the beginning of time. The view of the lush surroundings and the ocean from our Pool Villa By-the-Rocks could not have been more spectacular.

The villa itself, with its contemporary Creole architecture and high sloped ceilings, is rustic but elegant. You enter from the patio through double sliding glass doors. The king-sized bed faces a wall of glass that looks out over the ocean. For our arrival, our room attendant had scattered flower blossoms on the bed and spelled out “Welcome to Banyan Tree” in pieces of palm frond. There is a sofa with lots of loose throw pillows, coffee table, desk, chair, and entertainment center with satellite TV and mini-bar. A tea/coffeemaker was provided along with a selection of coffees and teas. Local artists were commissioned to produce paintings for the bedroom based on the island’s legendary Coco-de-mer nut, and indigenous artifacts offer a unique sense of place. This feeling is enhanced by the scented oils and incense that were burned each evening in our villa and the Asian-inspired CD that filled the space with peaceful, relaxing music. The villa bathroom is spacious and spectacularly outfitted with Banyan Tree products, each packaged in individual small earthenware pots. There are “his and her” vanities with beautiful vessel sinks and two closets with a dresser between them containing the safe. The “hers” vanity has a magnifying makeup mirror and a hairdryer. The toilet area also had a bidet. Bathrobes, slippers, spa sandals and a beach bag are provided, all made of material sporting the Banyan Tree signature brown-and-cream floral design. Complimentary bottled water placed by the bed each night was also nestled in a pretty bag made from this same fabric. The sunken shower/tub has a wall of glass overlooking the ocean. Of course, there are blinds you can lower in case you are concerned about privacy. However, there is little chance that anyone will see you since the villas are so well positioned that it is almost impossible to see another villa.

The Banyan Tree Seychelles also offers outdoor tennis courts, mountain bikes, water sports facilities including snorkeling and canoeing, a health club/gymnasium, a helipad, game room/library, and a wedding pavilion. Wi-Fi is available in the lobby and main hotel building and there is an internet connection in each villa. There are two bars, La Varangue where you can enjoy tapas or a fragrant shisha (water pipe), and the pool bar which overlooks the spectacular free-form infinity pool. The hotel could also arrange for sightseeing and island-hopping, diving and fishing expeditions. All the wonderful in-suite amenities and more are available for purchase at the Banyan Tree Gallery, which showcases indigenous arts and crafts. It is at the Gallery that we discovered that the scent of the oil and incense burned each night in our villa changes daily.

The accommodations and overall setting puts Banyan Tree Seychelles at the top of our list in worldwide pre-cruise/post-cruise accommodations. However, notwithstanding the on-premises Thai restaurant, Saffron, in our opinion, the resort’s dining experience did not measure up to the quality of the rest of the property. Food is very expensive here compared to Europe or the USA. Our evening Thai buffet was $75 (US) per person, not including drinks and gratuities. However, the food at Saffron was exceptional and plentiful. The main restaurant, Au Jardin d’Espices, serves international favorites in a casual setting overlooking Intendance Bay and was the place where we had breakfast each morning. The breakfast menu and buffet were good, but we found the menu for other meals to be uninspired and service here was spotty. We tried the specialty Creole-inspired restaurant, Chez Lamar, one evening and, while the food was good, the service was very slow and you had better like seafood because there are no alternate red meat or chicken dishes offered. We dined al fresco at Chez Lamar in a beautiful setting on a patio overlooking a wetland area and were serenaded by a guitarist playing and singing lovely music. We never had room service, but were intrigued by the possibility of having a barbecue outside by our pool or having dinner served to us on the beach. Both were dining options offered by the Banyan Tree.

The Banyan Tree Spa, on the other hand, is perhaps the best we have enjoyed anywhere in the world, on land or sea. It is situated on a hillside overlooking the ocean and surrounded by lush tropical foliage. We indulged in a 60-minute couple’s massage that was performed in an open-air massage pavilion with a view of the ocean from a vantage point high above the treetops. The sounds of birds singing and the roar of the ocean were natural here and did not have to be achieved via CD as in other spas we have visited. It was just like what you see in the magazine ads, but never see in real life. Banyan Tree Spas take a holistic approach to physical and spiritual well-being, providing a sanctuary for the senses. The handpicked therapists undergo 500 hours of training in Banyan Tree’s Spa Academies in Thailand and Indonesia, where they are immersed in the Banyan Tree Spa philosophy. A stay at Banyan Tree Seychelles would not be complete without a visit, or several, to the spa where therapeutic spa treatments and wonderfully soothing massages will rejuvenate the body and mind.

Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts has a policy of hiring its employees from the local communities. Turnover rate is very low and new staff are recruited through a referral program. Consequently, all know each other and some are even related. This makes for happy employees and it shows in the friendly atmosphere and great service provided at the Banyan Tree. This Corporate Social Responsibility extends to the environment, as well, through the establishment of the Green Imperative Fund to widen the reach and effectiveness of the company’s pro-environment efforts. Projects could range from marine life conservation and urban clean-up programs to community health and education support. This fund gives Banyan Tree guests an opportunity to participate by contributing $1 per person for every night they spend in a Banyan Tree property. This contribution is made under an “opt out” agreement and the Banyan Tree matches the contributions dollar for dollar to develop the Green Imperative Fund. The Banyan Tree Seychelles has a turtle conservation program and monitors its wetlands for birds and fresh-water turtles.

Banyan Tree Seychelles is a truly magical place with its own signature blend of romance and Asian sensuality. The philosophy behind the hotel is “based on providing a place for rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul – a Sanctuary for the Senses.” Mission accomplished.

Banyan Tree Seychelles CruiseReport.com Editor’s Rating: 9 out of 10

For more information, visit their website at www.banyantree.com

InterContinental Le Grand - Paris

To only spend only one night in Paris is an unforgivable sin. I assure you, it could not be avoided on this trip. We arrived in Paris on the train from Cherbourg after disembarking Viking Sea. We had one night in Paris before flying to Valletta, Malta, to embark Silversea Cruises' new Silver Muse. Nevertheless, we wanted to enjoy Paris in grand style, so where better to stay than the InterContinental Le Grand? The hotel is located a stone's throw from Palais Garnier, home to the Paris Opera.

When we arrived at the St. Lazare train station, Google Maps showed that we were within easy walking distance to the InterContinental, only about one mile away. So, with rolling bags in tow, we made our way through the busy streets of Paris. It was an easy walk, and soon we were being greeted at the front door of the Le Grand by one of the bellmen, who tagged our luggage and agreed to deliver our bags to our room after we checked in. Walking into Le Grand is like stepping back in time, when everything was more sophisticated and elegant. Check-in was quick and efficient, as you would expect at a five-star, luxury hotel. Within minutes after arriving, we were stepping into our Opera View room, overlooking Palais Garnier.

The view from our Opera View room

We were immediately drawn to the large window where we opened the drapes to find one of the most spectacular views we have enjoyed from any hotel room. There, right in front of us, was the Paris Opera House with all of its gold ornamentation. We were initially concerned about all of the noise coming from the streets below, but fortunately, things quieted down by bedtime and we enjoyed a peaceful night's sleep.

The room itself was large, by European standards. The traditional French decor is a bit over the top, but it is classy nonetheless. The very comfortable king-size bed was outfitted with plush pillows and top-quality linens.

Across from the bed is a tall dresser holding a large flat-screen television. Next to the dresser is a small desk, large enough for my laptop workspace. The bathroom was quite nice with a separate tub and shower stall. To the left of the entryway was a large closet with electronic safe. 

After settling into the room and unpacking, we decided to go outside for a walk. The hotel is perfectly located for exploring Paris on foot. There are shops, cafes, boulangeries and various points of interest in all directions. We spent two hours just walking around, window-shopping, sightseeing, and people-watching. When we returned to our room, Rickee noticed that a light bulb in the bathroom was burned out. After a call to Reception, it only took ten minutes before a new bulb was being installed. That is the kind of excellent service we have come to expect from InterContinental. 

After a restful night of sleep, we had time to enjoy the buffet breakfast at Café de la Paix before heading to the airport. The massive buffet was one of the nicest we have ever seen. We both ordered Eggs Benedict a la carté and they were prepared to perfection. This is one of the best breakfasts we have ever enjoyed, anywhere in the world!

Excellent choice of breads and pastries at Café de la Paix breakfast buffet

After breakfast, we had to check out and meet our driver for the trip to the airport. It is unfortunate that we only had one night to spend at InterContinental Le Grand. There are so many other parts of the property we would love to explore, and plan to on a future visit to Paris. This was our fourth time to stay in Paris and there's no question that the InterContinental Le Grand is our new favorite hotel.

For more information, check their website.

Mercer Hotel Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the great cruise embarkation/disembarkation port cities in the world. In fact, Barcelona is now the 4th most popular cruise port! There is so much to see and do in Barcelona that several days are needed to even begin to take it all in. When traveling to Barcelona, it is important to find the perfect hotel accommodations. We always look for hotels with a great reputation, good location and excellent service. We found just such a hotel during our last visit to Barcelona: The Mercer Hotel. Not only is Mercer Hotel Barcelona listed in the Top 100 Hotels by International Traveller, but we would go so far as to say it is our favorite hotel in Barcelona!

Deluxe room

Located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter and with just 28 rooms, the Mercer Hotel Barcelona is a unique establishment that has restored an historically valuable heritage building, whose origins go back to the 1st century AD. The Mercer has all the modern conveniences you expect from a world-class boutique hotel, but signs of the city's ancient past can be seen everywhere you look. Some of the original Roman city walls have been preserved in one section of the hotel.

The view of the Gothic Quarter from the rooftop terrace

We arrived at The Mercer a day later than expected due to travel delays. Our flight out of Dallas had been canceled and, to make matters worse, when we did arrive in Barcelona a day later than expected, we did so with none of our luggage. When we arrived at the hotel to check in, we were warmly welcomed with a beverage. When the concierge noticed that we had no luggage, he could not have been more accommodating. He took down all of our lost luggage information and said he would contact the airline on our behalf. It was nice to know that someone was actually doing something to solve our problem. He also gave us directions to a shopping center within walking distance where we could purchase some incidentals just in case our luggage did not arrive. The following morning, the concierge said he had been in contact with American Airlines and that our luggage was on the flight due to arrive in Barcelona that morning. It was recommended that I take a taxi back to the airport to collect the luggage just to be safe. We were scheduled to depart the hotel at noon to embark a cruise ship and he was concerned that the luggage may not be delivered in time. As it turned out, he was correct. I went to the airport and, thankfully, our luggage was there! Crisis averted.

Rickee with Jordi Garcia, Mercer Hotel Sales Manager

Our ultra-contemporary Deluxe room was located on the second floor and everything looked brand new. The bed was a welcome sight after being up for more than 30 hours and all the jet lag.The room was whisper quiet and comfortable. The beautiful beamed ceiling and hardwood floors added flair to the decor. Large windows overlooked a courtyard with a two-story wall on one end that was covered with aromatic plants. We could open the window and breathe in the wonderful smell of the plants. Excellent Molton Brown bathroom amenities complemented the roomy shower which had both a rain-shower head and a handheld wand. The complimentary Wi-Fi Internet service was very fast. Our Deluxe room rate included breakfast which was beautifully presented and delicious. The hotel has a very classy, and well-stocked bar just down the corridor from the check-in desk. An outdoor swimming pool, bar and terrace are located on the top floor of the hotel. From what we are told, this is a popular spot for locals to visit in the summer. The view of the Gothic Quarter from the terrace was amazing!

Well-appointed bathroom

Perhaps the best feature of The Mercer is the location. The hotel is situated right in the heart of the Gothic Quarter. Narrow cobblestone streets, originally designed and built for horses, not cars, make for interesting walks through the old part of the city. There are dozens of restaurants and bars within quick walking distance from the hotel. And, the famous Las Ramblas shopping district is less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The oceanfront is also within easy walking distance.

When you consider the location, the amenities and the unmatched service, The Mercer Hotel is our pick as the best place to stay in Barcelona before or after your next cruise.

The Mercer Hotel offers the following services: internet Access, outdoor pool, free Wi-fi, babysitting service upon request, handicapped access, laundry, private function facilities, private transfers, valet parking, personal shopper upon request, in-room massages, car rental, bike rental, hair dresser, shoe shining, and private tours. In-room facilities: safebox, designer toiletries, turndown service, hairdryer, free Wi-fi, daily newspaper, rain effect shower sound-proof rooms, bathtub in some rooms, 24-hr. room service, satellite TV, ironing service.

Visit theMercer Hotel website

Originally posted on: 12/16/2013

Hotel Lord Byron - Rome, Italy

The Hotel Lord Byron was once a patrician villa built in 1910. This small, “off the beaten path” property, located in the exclusive Parioli quarter of Rome, offers guests a high degree of luxury and service by a multi-lingual staff. The hotel is just a short walk to the Villa Borghese and the Via Veneto, and a stroll through the magnificent Borghese Park to the Spanish Steps and the Piazza del Popolo.

As part of The Leading Small Hotels of the World, the Lord Byron assures guests of getting special treatment. What the property lacks in facilities, it makes up for with charm, service and comfortable accommodations. While the 32-room luxury hotel does not offer a spa or swimming pool, it is home to an award-winning Italian gourmet restaurant, Sapori del Lord Byron, and a lounge and wine bar, Il Salotto, with a clubroom atmosphere.

All rooms and suites represent a delicate balance of the old world and the new. Our corner suite had been recently re-designed (as have all the rooms on the 4th floor) in a 1930’s art-deco style. A large Carrera marble bathroom housed a bathtub/shower with rain-shower head, a toilet, bidet and marble sink. A small shelving unit could be used for storing personal items and was where you found the shampoo, body wash and body lotion along with shower cap, shoeshine glove and cotton swabs. Towels were large and plush. A large walk-in closet with electronic safe was large enough for all of our luggage and had plenty of hanger space. A built-in dresser provided drawer space. The closet light was activated by a motion sensor and turned off automatically after a certain amount of time of no motion. 

The bedroom was spacious and comfortable with deep red carpeting and fabric-covered walls in a subtle milk-chocolate herringbone pattern. The doors and ceiling were surrounded with beautiful moldings. Two large floor-to-ceiling glass doors opened to a step-out wraparound balcony which overlooked the front of the hotel and a beautiful little courtyard area. The blinds and sheers covering these doors were opened and closed by a bedside remote control. There was a desk with phone and a small table with two chairs which could be used for en suite dining. Opposite the bed was a corner unit that houses the minibar/fridge and a fairly wimpy 15” television. All the furniture was especially made for the hotel. Art work on the walls featured Roman scenes. The only thing missing was a full-length mirror. You know, women notice those things.

Perhaps the best feature, and for me the most important, was the bed. Our room had two twin beds that had been combined to form a queen-size bed with a large dark wooden headboard. Dark brown suede insets on each side of the headboard were protected from greasy heads by two white pieces of removable fabric with the hotel's initials embroidered on them. The mattresses were firm and the pillows extermely heavy but, when combined, they yielded four nights of the best sleep I can remember. I did not even have to adjust my pillows during the night, something I do continually at home. I would gladly pay a premium price per pillow if I could find them in the U.S. 

The room was also extremely quiet, partly due to the hotel’s solid construction as well as the property’s secluded location. There is literally no traffic noise, a claim that hotels on Rome’s popular Via Veneto cannot easily make. Non-smoking rooms are available and guest room amenities include WiFi access, satellite color TV, telephone, individual climate control, minibar, electronic safe, walk-in closet, towel heater, hair dryer, and luxury bathrobes and slippers. The hotel usually offers a courtesy shuttle service to the city center and Via Veneto but, since it was August and a big vacation month for Italians, the shuttle was not running. However, if you didn't feel like walking, taxis were readily available at the hotel.

Sapori del Lord Byron restaurant

One of the great assets Hotel Lord Byron has to offer guests is the Sapori del Lord Byron restaurant. In addition to offering guests a wide variety of regional dishes and the best Italian wines, Sapori is the winner of an “Award of Excellence” granted by Wine Spectator in 2007. Sapori is worth a visit even if you do not stay at Lord Byron. It is in this elegant venue each morning that hotel guests are treated to a lovely complimentary buffet breakfast featuring such delights as homemade croissants and breads, gourmet preserves, fresh fruits and juices, cheeses, eggs cooked to order, breakfast meats, and natural cereals. The talented Executive Chef, Jean Luc Fruneau, meticulously selects the freshest seasonal ingredients for his a la carte menu. We enjoyed a specially prepared pasta dish and bruschetta for lunch on our last day at the hotel and everything was spectacular, including the impeccable service.

For more information, visit their website at http://www.lordbyronhotel.com/en

Originally posted on: 1/19/2009

Hotel Altis Avenida - Lisbon, Portugal

Hotel Altis Avenida is a boutique hotel with only 70 rooms and is located in the city center on the Praça dos Restauradores. The architecture and decoration are inspired by the Portuguese 1940s and revolves around the concept of retro urban chic, "where past and future meld in a unique atmosphere of charm and glamour."

Check-in at the hotel was smooth and efficient. Within a few minutes, Jorge, one of the front desk employees, was escorting us to our room (507). The Superior Room had an excellent view overlooking the Praça dos Restauradores. Our main focus of the room were the two twin beds, both of which looked very inviting since we had been up for more than 24 hours. We decided, however, to explore the Rossio restaurant on the 7th floor before taking a much needed nap. Rossio is located on the roof of the hotel and offers an amazing view of the city. Rossio's terrace may be the best place in Lisbon to enjoy a cocktail or meal in the evening while enjoying the lights of Lisbon. It is also the venue for an amazing breakfast served buffet style with eggs cooked to order.

The terrace offers amazing views of the city

Neither of us were in the mood for a heavy meal, so the Caesar Salad was the perfect choice for me while Rickee had a bowl of vegetable soup. The Caesar Salad was delicious, with large slices of roasted chicken and thin slivers of crispy pancetta.

Caesar Salad

We decided to enjoy a glass of Portugese rosé wine with lunch, and that may be what put us right to sleep! We wasted no time after lunch heading back down to our room and crashing for a much-needed nap. The sun was just beginning to set behind the hills when we woke up. Without the bright sunlight, the temperatures outside became much more pleasant and perfect for a walk around town. We headed out with no destination in mind, just looking to explore the area.

Large walkways filled with shops and cafes just steps from Altis Avenida

Because the Hotel Altis Avenida is located in the heart of Lisbon, near Rossio, Restauradores and the Avenida da Liberdade, it is the perfect spot to discover Lisbon on foot, as you are surrounded by theaters, museums, restaurants, traditional Portuguese outlets as well as recognizable luxury brands and local shops. We took full advantage of Altis Avenida's location by walking to local shops, restaurants and sights. If you are looking for a comfortable, quiet hotel in a great location, you will have a hard time finding a better choice than the Altis Avenida.

Twin beds were comfortable and linens were top-quality

When it comes time to sleep, the biggest priority for us is a quiet room and a comfortable bed. Altis Avenida scored a 5- out-of-5 on both requirements. Even though our room overlooked the busy Praça dos Restauradores, the room was completely insulated from the hustle and bustle of the crowds of people and traffic. The mattress was extremely comfortable and top-quality linens made for an excellent night's sleep

Altis Avenida is a perfect pre-/post-cruise hotel based on its location, comfort and proximity to the port of Lisbon. A taxi ride to the port will take less than 10 minutes! We consider this a premium 4-star hotel and would not hesitate to recommend it to our friends and followers.

For more information, visit their website at: http://www.altishotels.com/EN/HotelAltisAvenida/Boutique-Hotel-Lisbon/

The Emblem Hotel - Prague

November 30, 2017 - When our 2017 Christmas Markets river cruise assignment called for two nights in Prague and we needed hotel accommodations, our research turned up The Emblem Hotel. 

Emblem Hotel Old Town Prague

Some hotels in Prague claim the "Old Town" location, but may be many miles from the actual historical sights. The Emblem Hotel is truly just steps from about everything you want to see in Prague, yet, is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the popular tourist areas.

Check-in was very informal and efficient. We arrived at The Emblem in the morning after an all-night flight and were greeted by a hotel Reception staff member who invited us to sit in the Reception lounge and offered us a beverage. Rather than having to stand at a check-in counter, we were comfortably seated while they brought us the necessary documents required for check-in.

Reception Lounge

We were pleasantly surprised to learn that our room was ready and that the luggage we had shipped to the hotel a few days earlier (we informed Reception in advance that we were shipping our luggage to the hotel), was already in our room and waiting for us. Nice!

Our room, a Queen Dom, was small at only 228 sq. ft., but the efficient layout and design make it quite livable. The mattress, pillows and linens were all top quality and very comfortable. That is something that we appreciated when trying to shed jet lag from an all-night flight. We also were impressed with how well the hotel room was insulated from noise coming from adjacent rooms. The only sounds were occasional noises from the street below, but we hardly heard anything.

The entire lower level of the hotel (below Ground level) is referred to as "The M Lounge" and is a perfect place to spread out and relax at any time of day. I found it to be the perfect early morning spot for coffee and work. There is an automatic coffee machine here that is available 24 hours a day. I never checked to see what was in the samovar -- perhaps hot water for tea?

Coffee Machine

The M Lounge is divided into several rooms, some best-suited for conferences or small meetings. The Salon was furnished like a large living room with sofas, big screen television, and coffee tables. The hotel invites guests to use the hotel's public areas as they would their own homes.

The Salon

The Salon is where I sat to work and enjoy coffee in the mornings. And, on many evenings, the hotel offers a "happy hour" in the M Lounge with complimentary wine and snacks.

Rickee enjoys a glass of complimentary wine in The Salon

As an added value, our room rate included breakfast which is served each morning in the hotel's resident restaurant, George Prime Steak. An extensive buffet of fruit, meats and cheeses, breads, pastries, cereals and juices is augmented by a small á la carte menu with eggs made to order, omelettes, porridge (I am from Texas so I have no idea what that is), and a dish called "American Pancake."

Breakfast buffet at George Prime Steak

You should also consider making reservations one evening for dinner at George Prime Steak since it is one of the highest-rated steakhouses in Prague.

I mentioned that the hotel is literally just steps from Prague's Old Town Square. In less than five minutes, you can walk to the Astronomical clock, or the famous Charles Bridge. At the end of our stay, we met some other river cruise guests who opted for the cruise line recommended hotel (Hilton Old Town). When we saw the location of the Hilton, we were so pleased that we had chosen The Emblem. The Hilton and the Marriott were miles from the sights to which we had walked in only minutes from The Emblem.

The Old Town Square is just a minute’s walk from The Emblem Hotel

When it came time for us to explore Prague, the Emblem's Reception staff were more than willing to offer suggestions, map out a walking route, or make restaurant reservations for us. They could not have been nicer. And, here's a first for us: in the room there is a complimentary "Handy" cell phone that you can take with you on your walks around Prague. You can make unlimited local or international phone calls, or use the phone's built-in walking maps and guides. Another HUGE value!

With comfortable accommodations, an excellent breakfast, and an unbeatable location, The Emblem Hotel is our new favorite hotel in Prague Old Town!

For more information, or to make a reservation, go to http://www.emblemprague.com