In 2012, I was lucky enough to travel a lot, discovering 26 different cities and checking into more than 50 hotels around the world. Each hotel was a unique experience and a step forward to learn more about the culture of every city I visited. My ultimate favorite is still the Danieli Hotel Venice visited in 2010, where luxury, architecture and service all contribute to making your stay memorable for many years. From London to Jeddah, Dubai and Sofia, 2012 was a hectic year filled with excitement and learning. Check below my favorite places:
Le Meridien Etoile: A Pleasant Stay in the Heart of Paris
Taking the Air France bus from CDG airport to Paris, you are dropped off at Porte Maillot facing the Palais des Congres on one side and Le Meridien Hotel on the other. I have been waiting for the opportunity to try this famous hotel until I finally got the chance last week...
Lovely Nights Spent at the Sheraton Hotel: Abu Dhabi
It is nice to remember sometimes that professional hotels still exist, especially when the establishment has been around for some time. Old doesn’t mean bad… Maintenance and upgrade are crucial. The Sheraton Abu Dhabi is situated on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, overlooking the Arabian Gulf within one kilometer from the Gold Souk, the Petroleum Exhibition and...
Relais & Chateaux: Chateau De Noizay, Val de Loire, France
A magical stay in a fairy-like castle… Close to where the vineyards from the Loire, Château de Noizay unveils itself at the heart of the Vouvray vineyards between Amboise and Tours. Surrounded in a halo of light so dear to Turner, the Château invites you to holiday pleasures and the finer things in life...
Relais & Chateaux: Domaine des Hauts-de-Loire: A Dream…
Le Domaine des Hauts-de-Loire was our last stop of a three nights adventure around the Loire famous castles. Along the Wine Route in Loir-et-Cher, lies a hunting lodge built in 1860. The ivy-covered walls, the leaves alive with singing birds; a historic residence renovated with the latest trends and technologies without changing its original cachet, no air-conditioning...
Relais & Chateaux: Grand Hôtel du Lion d’Or, Romorantin-Lanthenay
My quest to discover the Loiret region and visit as many castles as possible has started. I wanted this trip to be special by choosing fine hotels with the same spirit as the region’s history. Relais & Chateaux was the best choice. Established over half a century ago, Relais & Châteaux is an association of...
The Luxurious Sofitel St.James Hotel, London
In the heart of the capital, and just a few blocks away from all major touristic attractions is this trip’s wonderful choice: The Sofitel St. James. It all starts with the first impression, a great one indeed where a professional receptionist, Sarah, took care of us in perfect French -I discovered later on that most...
The Lotte Hotel: One of the Very Few 6 Stars in Moscow
Some reviews over the internet give the Lotte a six stars rating while others give it five stars plus, I will have to agree with both and say that the Lotte is one of the best hotels I have visited in terms of its welcoming feel, outstanding service, memorable decoration and spacious rooms...
Hesperia Tower Hotel, Barcelona
Loved the technology, loved the view, loved the lobby, loved the breakfast One of the highest buildings in the city, the Hesperia is a trendy hotel managed by the local NH group of hotels. I was lucky to be given a room on the 21st floor, overlooking all of Barcelona’s famous monuments: The Olympic city...
W Hotel Istanbul – A Colorful Welcome
I have heard a lot about the W Hotel long before I had the chance to try it. The W is a new concept of Hotels, part of the SPG group around the world creating contemporary locations with a special emphasis on decoration and design. The W Istanbul is one of those places where you...
Le Meridien Hotel, Jeddah
Le Meridien Hotel of Jeddah was my next stop after the Holiday Inn Riyadh. I didn’t know what to expect. I was asking myself many questions like, are all international chains in the Arab world lower in quality than their respective branches in Europe? Would Le Meridien be as old as the Sands Hotel was…?
The Address Hotel, Downtown, Dubai
The Address, yes it’s definitely the address to be while in Dubai. The Address is a very luxurious hotel handled by a very professional staff who obviously work hard to help you escape the stress of the outside world and make you feel pampered. My wife and I celebrated our third year anniversary there...
Hotel Raphael, Paris
An experience I hope will be repeated soon as I really enjoyed my stay at this Parisian hotel. The Hotel Raphael, a legend and a name, is one of the oldest hotels in Paris, located in the heart of the capital, at a walking distance from the Arc de Triomphe and the famous Champs Elysees...
More to come in 2013
