Tag: best hotels in the world

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Relaxation and wonderful Thai hospitality at the Grand Mercure Phuket Patong Resort & Villas…

The Grand Mercure Phuket Patong Resort & Villas is situated in the centre of the busy town of Patong in Phuket. The hotel is within walking distance of the beach,shops and restaurants.

We received a Thai purple drink and a filled pastry with purple icing on top as a welcome treat and a cold towel to fight off the heat. We felt very welcome and all the staff were friendly.

We stayed two nights in a one-bedroom pool villa, which was gorgeous! A beautiful bath and a big lounge area. Our private splash pool was so great, and the pool chair was very comfortable.

There is a high tea lounge for VIP guests which offers complimentary beverages and snacks every day from 11:00am to 17:00pm which was delicious.

The swimming pool was heated and there were many poolside chairs available.  Most of the ground floor pool facing rooms are adjacent to the swimming pool so guests can just jump in from their terrace. The pool bar had daily specials on their cocktails which guests can enjoy on the chairs inside the pool.

The buffet breakfast was delicious, there was an Asian corner as well as an assortment of Indian and western food.

There was even sushi for breakfast and also a stand where you could make your own iced coffee or chocolate milk which was great.

Our entire stay including the amazing staff made our trip unforgettable. I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone who plans on visiting Phuket.

To book this magnificent property or get more details follow the link below

http://grandmercurephuketpatong.com

 

Reviewed by Kayla Lourens – World Luxury Hotel Awards Representative

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Hotel TWENTY EIGHT brings innovation, comfort and fun to the luxury hotel concept.

 As you enter the hotel lobby you are met with bright colours, contemporary art and elegant décor . The hotel staff dress in funky but relaxed uniforms that compliment the hotels unique style.

The lobby, lounge, bar and reception are open 24-hours a day and the lobby is perfect for meeting other travellers over a drink, or opening your laptop and catching up on work. This is a hip and happening space with flair.

Located on 260 Stadionplein, Oud Zuid of Amsterdam. The metro station is located 300 meters from the hotel and the tram is located just opposite the hotel. This makes site seeing in Amsterdam a breeze, as all the major tourist attractions like Museum Square, Vondelpark and the City Centre are merely a short tram ride away.

The hotel offers comfortable design apartments combined with the service and facilities of a luxury hotel. All the apartments have a fully equipped kitchen, a living room with a spacious seating area and a luxurious bathroom equipped with a rain shower. The rooms also feature climate control, a flat-screen TV and high-speed WiFi. The rooms are beautifully decorated with great attention to detail and a touch of Dutch heritage.

The property also offers an on-site restaurant, a sauna and fitness facilities as well as underground parking.

The level of service, apartments and hotel facilities make Hotel TWENTY EIGHT the perfect choice for business and leisure guests, both for short and long term stays.

Guests have the option to cook in their own apartment as well as make use of the self-service laundry room. This is exceptionally helpful for travellers that have been on the road for a while and want to relax and recuperate with privacy. Hotel TWENTY EIGHT feels like your home away from home.

When you do feel like going out for a meal the on site restaurant the Het Amsterdamse Proeflokaal is a must. This modern restaurant offers delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner for the entire family. Walking through the restaurant doors, the walls are decorated with vintage portraits of previous Olympic Games.

The staff are friendly, attentive and extremely helpful with anything that guests require. This is extremely helpful for foreigners visiting Amsterdam for the first time.

Hotel TWENTY EIGHT made my trip to Amsterdam exceptional and I would recommend this property to any traveller.

To book this hotel click here www.twentyeight.nl

Michelle Snyman – Brand Manager of Word Luxury Hotel Awards

Missing Amsterdam already!

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Wildlife and luxury create harmony at the 57 Waterberg Lodge

What a wonderful surprise…after our long drive, we were greeted at the gate by our very own game-ranger with ice-cold champagne, served in silver goblets. The calm of the bush immediately settled over me as we made our way over the rocky terrain of the Waterberg Mountains to the lodge. An African welcome song and a glass of sherry completed our warm welcome upon arrival at the main lodge.

Beautifully furnished rooms, crisp white linen, snug fires and our own outdoor Jacuzzi overlooking the bush filled my soul with thankfulness.

The game drives were informative and well worth the effort as we saw herds of elephant complete with little ones. The reserve is known for its conservation of white rhinos, of which we had a view close-up and personal.

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The superb 3-course dinner and service was truly of world-class standard and accompanied by excellent vintages. I could return just for that!

It was with a lingering sense of loss but a conviction that I will return one day that we left this piece of heaven.

 

Reviewed By Marna Lourens – World Luxury Hotel Awards Representative

To book this wildlife experience follow the link below

Click Here

 

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Honeymoon Bliss at Bandara Villas, Phuket

My husband and I had the pleasure of spending our first three nights of our honeymoon in Thailand at the amazing Bandara Villas, Phuket.

We had such a friendly welcome with drinks and refreshing towels to cool us off while we were being checked in. One of the staff members showed us to our room and WOW! What a room it was, we stayed in one of the Panoramic Pool Villas with a view that we were only able to see the next morning but knew it was close to the beach as we could hear the waves almost crashing underneath us.

We had breakfast each morning at Sumpao Restaurant where we could order a la carte or breakfast buffet, with some delicious traditional Thai breakfast dishes to try out.

We spent most of our days at Bandara itself as it was so relaxing there and our room was so amazing, with our own private pool with sea views, internet access and a fully stocked mini bar where the first round was on them.

The hotel also assisted us with planning a day trip to Phi Phi Island, it was done efficiently and effortlessly. We had an early departure that morning so the lady that assisted us arranged that the restaurant makes us early breakfast in take away packages that we could enjoy on our way to the docks.

After a full day out, we decided the next day to just relax at the beachfront pool and enjoy some cocktails from the beach pool bar. We signed out a stand-up paddle board that was part of their free amenities that we took to the ocean to try out for the first time. They also have daily activities program such as Yoga, Thai Boxing, Aqua Aerobics, Fruit Carving etc.

We had such a lovely stay at Bandara Villas, Phuket. The staff are exceptionally friendly, and the service is on point. We couldn’t have asked for a better start to our Thailand experience.

 

Reveiwed By Anke Van Zyl- World Luxury Hotel Awards Representative

To book this spectacular accommodation – website

 stay@bandaraphuket.com

 

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Ayara Kamala Resort & Spa – A honeymoon in paradise…

It was a wet and rainy day when we arrived at Ayara Kamala Resort & Spa, Located just a short drive from Patong Beach over the beautiful mountains of Kamala Bay.

We received a welcome drink and refreshing towel while being checked in and had a chance to relax in the beautiful lobby. We had a choice of our own scent selection which consisted of four different oils for our room aroma, we decided on the fresh Lemon Grass scent.

The staff drove us to our room, the Grand Thai Natural Ocean View with Spa Bath room, which was set on the high terrains of the resort. It was the most spacious room that I have ever stayed in. The room had traditional Thai Décor, a spacious bedroom and living area with Natural and Ocean views. The room also included complimentary Wi-Fi, a 32-inch LCD Television, DVD player, telephone, safety deposit box and mini-bar and then for the bathroom which included a jacuzzi bathtub, rainfall shower, dressing area and hair dryer. They even had a Sound Bar where we could connect our phones and listen to music.

We had dinner at The Cradle Restaurant, where we enjoyed the local dishes that were amazing and full of vibrant flavours such as lemon grass, ginger and chili which we enjoyed with a glass of wine. As it was the beginning of the FIFA World Cup 2018 the staff were assembling a projector for the restaurant guests to enjoy one of the games that were on.

After a comfortable night’s sleep in our King Size bed we woke up quite early and excited for breakfast which I can say was out of this world. The breakfast was buffet, or we could have ordered from the a la carte menu. The buffet selection had anything you could think – my favourite, “The Phuket Corner” had local breakfast dishes and colourful fruits from all around.

In the afternoon we made use of the resort shuttle bus that departs every two hours from the lobby to the Village where they drop you off at a certain point and pick you up every two hours, for which they were always on time.

The resort offers cocktail classes where they taught us to make a Thai cocktail and gave us each a chance to try and make it ourselves. They set up a whole area just for us and the barmen made us a Tom Yum Soup inspired cocktail, nice and spicy with ginger, lime and chili. We enjoyed it so much that they demonstrated two more cocktails that we learned to make and enjoy afterwards.

Our last day at the resort we witnessed how they were setting up for a beautiful rainy-day wedding for a small party in The Cradle Restaurant. The restaurant was decorated with white and green flowers with fairly lights hanging from the restaurant, it looked gorgeous and elegant. The General Manager Chai even took us through the wedding to show us their set-up.

The resort also features tennis courts, Ratana Spa and  Thai Cooking Classes at the restaurant. Overall, we had a wonderful experience at the spectacular Ayara Kamala Resort with excellent service from the friendly staff and amazing views. I was quite sad to say goodbye.

Reveiewed by Anke Van Zyl and Niel Van Zyl- World Luxury Hotel Awards Representatives

to view more of this stunning property click here www.ayarakamalaresort.com/

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State of the art luxury experience at the Como Metropolitan Hotel London

We arrived at the stunning Como Metropolitan hotel, situated in the in the heart of London and overlooking the magnificent Hyde Park on a sunny afternoon.

We were greeted at reception by the extremely friendly Service Manager .The staff took care of unwrapping our bags for us and taking them up to our room. While checking in we were offered a glass of champagne and given a small shot glass filled with a mixture of herbs. They explained to us that it was meant to recharge our bodies and give us new energy. (Exactly what we needed at that stage).

The Service manager accompanied us to our room. Just as well because the room needed some explaining. Arriving at our magnificent room on the 10th floor and with an exquisite view over the park we quickly realized that this room was even more amazing then we first thought. It was a fully smart-room. All the curtains, blinds and lights were controlled from a single control panel on the telephone. Push a button and the blinds opened. Push another button and you can dim any of the many different lights in the room to create whatever ambiance you desire. The room had everything from electric blinds to a fully stocked mini-bar with everything you could possibly want or need including heated mirrors that wont fog up when you shower.

The next morning, we had a workout in their state of the art gym. As someone that has been to many gyms and loves a good workout, this was heaven. The gym was fully equipped with everything from a full range of cardio equipment to weights heavy enough for regular trainers. There was even a ballet pole attached to the mirror to help you stretch. The standard bottle of water and towel were included as part of your workout but what is more is they also give you a free pair of earphones. This is for you to plug into their cardio equipment and listen to music or watch television while you build up a sweat. In my books this gym scored 10 out of 10.

The English breakfast was a delight, served in a beautiful dining room with a glass roof, letting the sun shine in.

In conclusion, the Como Metropolitan hotel is a must visit. The staff are exceptionally courteous and friendly, always willing to help and assist. The hotel itself with its technologically advanced rooms and amazing gym provides all the facilities and services you can think of.

Reviewed by World Luxury Hotel Awards Representatives

Book Here  

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These 10 Design hotels are a feast for your eyes…

The State Hermitage Museum Official Hotel

This state of the art historical design hotel has everything you need. Offering 126 rooms with 10 categories starting from Premium and Superior room types up to imperial and Presidential residences. All the rooms are decorated in exquisite styles replicating the imperial chambers of the Winter palace. Only natural materials are used for the decoration of the guest rooms like natural wood, different sorts of Greek and Italian marble, silk wallpapers and hand crafted plaster gilded with gold.

Ovolo Woolloomooloo

Art and culture meet at the Ovolo Woolloomooloo. Located in Sydney, Australia this hotel is bold, innovative and community minded. Creating a design centric, social space where like minded individuals can enjoy everything from accommodation to co-working. The unique and intriguing design features of Ovolo Woolloomooloo effortlessly combine heritage with modern luxury, breathing a new lease of life into this historic Wharf in an absolutely stunning location over the picturesque Sydney Harbour.

Sarai Resort and Spa

Situated in the exotic city of Siem Reap, Sarai Resort & Spa is a luxury boutique, Moroccan-inspired design resort. Sarai has been designed to be a destination where travelers from East and West come to pleasantly discover superior services, beautiful and comfortable rooms, great food, exquisite spa, and a tranquil swimming pool. Its rural atmosphere makes Siem Reap the perfect destination for your vacation. Take a break from the demands of every-day life; take a breath, relax, look up to the stars and take a moment to just gaze at their gentle beauty.

Hotel VIC on the Harbour

Hotel VIC on the Harbour has been built to the most exacting standards through the combined star power of renowned award-winners Rocco Design Architects Ltd as project architect and Hirsch Bedner Associates as guestroom interior designer.

Conservatorium Hotel

This hotel is a Architecture design hotel based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Located in the Museum Square district, the true heart of the city, the Conservatorium is an architectural masterpiece that combines a landmark heritage building with graceful, contemporary design.

The Salil Hotel Sukhumvit 57 – Thonglor

A “Concept Living Space” representing a tranquil heavenly luxury hotel in the heart of Bangkok.The hotel boasts the most original and soulful luxury destination in Thong Lor, where business and chic living style are intertwined. All guest rooms are designed with a contemporary interpretation of the East meets West cultures through the pattern of wallpapers.

Alentejo Marmoris Hotel & Spa

At the heart of Alentejo, 180 km east from Lisbon and located in the historical town “Vila Viçosa”, the Alentejo Marmòris Hotel & Spa presents itself as the most luxurious new hotel of Portugal. This hotel is unique and distinctive – a real museum dedicated to marble.

The Torch Doha

At 300m high and with 360° panoramic views across Doha, THE TORCH is the centerpiece of Doha’s vibrant Sports City – Aspire Zone. This iconic 5-Star hotel features 51 floors, a revolving restaurant on the 47th floor and a cantilevered swimming pool anchored to the 19th floor. All rooms feature a mood-lighting system with 12 different colours, a unique iPad in-Room Solution and LED TVs.

Sofitel Luxembourg Le Grand Ducal

A striking design hotel in Luxembourg’s historic center Sofitel Luxembourg Le Grand Ducal gazes magnificently over the picturesque Alzette and Pétrusse valleys and Luxembourgs UNESCO Old Town. A grand modern glass structure of dramatic lines and curves, this 5-star hotel in Luxembourg is a landmark amid a tapestry of cultural historical and natural sites.

Hotel Éclat Beijing

This 5 star hotel is a stunning landmark on the Beijing skyline, standing impressively in the heart of the city’s downtown Central Business District – a perfect location for both business and leisure travelers. A focal point of the award-winning Parkview Green, the luxury boutique Hotel Éclat Beijing offers the rare opportunity to experience museum quality art while enjoying stylish accommodation, outstanding cuisine, intuitive yet non-intrusive guest services and a spectacular Mall within its unique architectural design.

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13 Hotels you must see in 2018!

Be Grand Resort, Bohol -Philippines

BE Grand Resort in Bohol is strategically tucked away on the exclusive oasis of the blue waters of Panglao Island. Boasting diverse dining options, a blissfully wonderful spa experience, and within minutes from bountiful underwater paradise, step into a luxurious resort hideaway to reset, refocus, and relax.

InterContinental Hua Hin Resort- Thailand

InterContinental® Hua Hin Resort lends to Thailand’s premier seaside community with unrivaled style, sophistication and comfort. Combining Eastern and Western design heritage, the low-rise beach-front destination spans a prime stretch of white sandy beaches alongside sparkling gulf waters – a truly alluring setting.

Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa- Kuwait

Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa, Kuwait, is ideally located in the secluded area of Messilah situated along the shores of the Arabian Gulf, with easy access to Kuwait’s Central Business District, airport and major attractions.

Pondoro Game Lodge- South Africa

At Pondoro situated on the banks of the Olifants River in the exclusive Balule Private Reserve inside Greater Kruger National Park, you will discover the true way to experience the African Bush.

Hotel VIC on the Harbour- Hong Kong

Hotel VIC boasts panoramic views of the harbour. Located in the newly-fashionable district of North Point on Hong Kong Island, Hotel VIC boasts panoramic views of the harbour, and is steps away from an MTR station, ferry pier, and other public transport.

Hotel Le Bonne Entente- Canada

Le Bonne Entente Hotel has redefined the traditional luxury hotel market. In addition to it’s 160 rooms & suites, the hotel encompasses 11 acres of outstanding landscape surrounded by beautiful gardens. The Health and Beauty centre is located right by the beautiful outdoor pool and spa. The hotel also offers a luxury Shuttle service and exclusive access at the renowned Golf La Tempête.

Constance Ephelia Seychelles

Constance Ephélia Seychelles is a family-friendly resort with adapted accommodations. Besides the usual sport facilities, it proposes adventure activities and the Kids Club has themed programs run by the dedicated staff. Foodies will appreciate the wonderful diversity of cuisine at its five restaurants, each with its own culinary concept.

The Ritz-Carlton, Astana – Kazakhstan 

With a prime perch in the city’s gleaming Talan Towers, The Ritz-Carlton, Astana is one of the first luxury hotels in the capital of Kazakhstan. A welcoming retreat of exotic marble and elegant wood, the hotel features accommodations with spectacular views of the city’s modern skyline.

Royal Hideaway Sancti Petri -Spain

A leader in wellness, Royal Hideaway Sancti Petri Spa & Resort is located in Cadiz’s coastal paradise, along the spectacular La Barrosa. Its original and modern design with more than 35,000 m2 of gardens will make you feel like you are in a tropical destination without ever having to leave Spain.

Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort- Tanzania

Step into a world of luxury with unprecedented accommodations and service, a la carte all inclusive fine dining concept with respect to individual wishes, oceanfront swimming pool and our exclusive Inaya Spa.

Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & SPA -Morocco

This luxury 5-star resort and hotel in Essaouira, Morocco, evokes peace and calm in an oasis of French hospitality.
The sleek new Essaouira hotel in the heart of the Mogador resort overlooks the Atlantic ocean and Mogador golf course designed by Gary Player.Elegant décor by Didier Gomez blends contemporary French design with authentic Moroccan details like mashrabiya windows.

Steigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel-Egypt

Located in the centre of Hurghada`s touristic complex on the Red Sea in Egypt. Peace and privacy pervade this exclusive, 5-star deluxe beach hotel, located directly on the azure blue Red Sea shore. Let your mind rest in the green of landscaped gardens, the aqua-marine of the Red Sea, and the reds of the dramatic mountain ranges in the background.

Nermo Hotell- Norway

The Nermo Hotel, part of the Historic Hotels of Norway, is a family owned hotel situated 1,5km above the valley river with beautiful views, and 10 minutes north of the Olympic city of Lillehammer.

 

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Kolbe Hotel Rome; an enchanting experience from the city of Rome.

The city of Rome, Italy is an enchanting experience. Rome is a vibrant and decadent destination. It is filled with passionate Italian locals and rich history. Rome has played an important role as a political and religious capital during centuries of human civilization and should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Walking amongst the historic ruins of the Roman Forum is an experience that will leave you with goosebumps, not to mention a tour of the Colosseum where one can imagine gladiators having a brutal battle.

What made my Roman tourist experience truly special was the fact that our hotel was located right in the middle of all the important historic sites. Just a brief walk from Kolbe Hotel Rome brings you to the centre of it all.

“Surrounded by the magnificence of ancient Rome, only a few steps from the Circus Maximus and the Imperial Roman Forum, the building is located in an evocative and prestigious area right in the heart of the city.”

Kolbe Hotel Rome is a blend of modern and ancient décor; the furniture and finishing are modern and comfortable, yet the hallways are decorated with examples of ancient Roman clothing which is fascinating and really gives you an idea of what was worn back in the day

       

Upon entering the lobby guests are met with extremely friendly staff welcoming you to the hotel. The lobby leads into a contemporary bar lounge as well as the Garden Restaurant – Al Palatino. Guests can choose to sit inside or outside to enjoy a delicious gourmet meal. The garden outside is breathtaking.

“Keeping Mediterranean traditions alive, the courtyard reflects calmness, tranquility and peace. Guests can drink, dine or simply relax in this private sanctuary that is unique in all of Rome.”

The Kolbe Hotel Rome offers a variety of rooms. This includes double rooms, deluxe suites as well as family rooms. Rooms are generally decorated with maroon and light pastel colors and guests can enjoy bathroom amenities from Roberto Cavalli. One of the great features of the rooms are the big windows which open with a view of the surrounding area.

The hotel also offers great meeting and function facilities. During my stay at the Kolbe Hotel Rome, the hotel hosted a large corporate group with ease and professionalism.

Breakfast is served as an informal affair and leaves guests to help themselves to coffee and snacks from the buffet. This provides a relaxed environment for families or businessmen that want to grab a quick snack before heading to the next meeting.

Overall it was a wonderful stay that provided me quick access to the best that Rome has to offer.

Reviewed By Michelle Snyman

Brand Manager World Luxury Awards

To see more of this hotel click here

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Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre – Service Excellence Personified…

The first word I would like to use to describe this hotel, is surprising. And it’s not that the hotel doesn’t look great online, it’s why I chose it, but the pictures simply do not do it justice in comparison to what you actually experience when you enter the lobby, glistening with lighting and marble yet soft to the eye, immediately giving you a welcoming and warm feeling.

I arrived late in Dubai, and as such only reached the hotel at midnight. This didn’t stop the service from bustling to my attention; “Good evening Mrs. Evans and welcome, allow me to show you straight to your room.” Wow, no check-in, known by name, staff rushing around me to open elevators and take my bags. I’m already very impressed, and this was only the beginning

Junior Suite

I was treated to a Junior Suite on the 11th floor during my stay here, and apart from the fact that the view of Dubai is majestic from that high, the room itself was incredible. Large and spacious, one of the best beds and pillows I have ever had the pleasure of sleeping on during my travels, two televisions, a comfortable lounge and a generous bathroom filled with every amenity you would require.

View from my suite on the 11th floor

During my stay I was able to enjoy the bar on the 1st floor which has an extremely comfortable atmosphere. Every time you take a seat you are served some pub style snacks like popcorn, nuts and olives, and you can leisurely enjoy your drink while watching either sport, playing a game of pool or simply listening to the music. On Friday nights, Medley Restaurant holds what is known as the Art of Spice. An Indian cuisine delight created proudly by celebrity Chef Sweety Singh. Rows of serving pots line the buffet and you can sample as many as you want or can handle. I had a special dietary requirement yet this was no issue. Two delectable curries arrived at my table, served with fresh naan bread and all the sides required to make this a true Indian feast. I can see why the General Manager personally recommends this experience, as I will not soon forget it.

Soma Spa was by far the most relaxing experience on my journey. If you can, get a lady by the name of Chon to get her hands on you, I can guarantee you this will be worth every penny as her healing hands find every knot and aching spot on your body. The spa itself is beautifully laid out, tranquil and relaxing. The change rooms hold the sauna and steam room for use before your treatment, and after being sent into seventh heaven you are seated quietly to some ginger tea while you let the experience run over in your mind, relaxing you even further before returning to your day.

Soma Spa

All in all, a hotel is not only made up of walls and glitz and glamour. The true heart of a hotel, and what makes your stay memorable, is the hospitality of the staff that surround you. This hotel has it all. The glam, the rooms, the food, the spa, yet what stood out to me the most during my time here, was the staff. I have always said hospitality is a special sort of kindness, and it is something that you either have or don’t, it cannot be taught. Not a single member of their team made me feel that they were there because they had to be; they wanted to be. Their service excellence echoes through every corridor, radiates out of every meal served, in every passing greeting, in every room service delivered. And this single point alone is what made this one of the best and most enjoyable hotels I have had the pleasure of visiting.

This hotel will suit every travel requirement, so when passing through Dubai and looking for accommodation for one or seven nights, you will not be disappointed to make this your selection.

Book or view this hotel by clicking here

Reviewed By Joanna Evans

World Luxury Awards Marketing Communications Manager