Tag: italy

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Grand Hotel Bristol Resort & Spa

On a recent trip to Italy, I had the immense pleasure of visiting Grand Hotel Bristol Resort & Spa, located in the beautiful town of Rapallo.

Upon arrival the front-of-house manager gave us a tour of the hotel and provided us with all the needed information for our stay. We were booked into the Riviera Suite with panoramic seafront views and let me tell you, the views were spectacular.

We were welcomed with a bottle of champagne and fruit. We enjoyed our drinks while taking in the amazing views of the Portofino Promontory.

Our suite was spacious, had a walk-in closet and a large round whirlpool. It had everything one may need while traveling. 

We visited in April; therefore, the weather did not allow for a dip in the pool, but I imagine during summer months many guests relax at the pool while sipping on an Aperol Spritz. 

The hotel has three amazing restaurants, the gourmet restaurant Le Cupole led by Chef Graziano Duca, La Veranda a charming bistrot located on the panoramic terrace, and a new restaurant, The Flamingo pool bar&pizza gourmet.

The Erre Spa Bristol covers 2.000 m² and offers a 360-degree service, from wellness journeys to a wide range of body and face treatments, as well as varied and personalized programs proposed by the Spa manager.

A pleasant sea walk leads to the center of Rapallo, from there you can also take a ferry to Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino for site seeing.

Everyone with a love for travel should visit the Portofino coast in their lifetime. It is truly the definition of living la dolce vita. I am already dreaming of going back.

Reviewed by World Luxury Awards Representative, Jana Stoman

To book this hotel, visit their website: www.grandhotelbristol.it

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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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Hotel Papadopoli Venezia – MGallery by Sofitel

Travelling to the city of Venice in Italy is an experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list. I suggest taking a private water taxi from the airport and entering the hotel via the water canals with style.  If you are lucky enough to enter Venice just before sunset, the experience will be even more romantic. Imagine sailing into a city filled with beautiful historic buildings, arched staircases and the suns’ reflection on the water streets. The water taxi takes you directly to the hotel entrance and kicks off your love affair with the city of Venice forever.

Arriving at Hotel Papadopoli Venezia – MGallery by Sofitel is an exciting experience. Once you enter the lobby of the hotel the glamour and elegance of this intimate boutique hotel is overwhelming. Close to the reception desk is a display case fill with shoes and handbags decorated with Swarovski crystals. The lounge is decorated with vintage furniture that includes throne chairs, carved giltwood tables and mirror frames, 18th century Italian style sofas as well as breathtaking chandeliers that provide just enough light to feel cozy and relaxed.

 

 

The stairway to the GIARDINO D’INVERNO (Winter Garden) restaurant is framed by two fashion mannequins, each dressed in a ball gown skirt and colorful ladies jacket. One soon discovers that the skirts actually consist of a tree and flower decoration. The beautiful artistry of this hotel is mesmerizing and the use of pastel colors is calming and poetic. Once you reach the Winter Garden one is transported to a scene from the magical Shakespearean play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

The hotel has 96 rooms and suites that are finished with furnishings reflecting the elegance and splendor of the 18th century, and views of the Tolentini Canal and Papadopoli Gardens. Each of the rooms are themed and I was fortunate to be accommodated in the Marco Polo room.

One of the special qualities of Hotel Papadopoli Venezia is the spectacular view the rooms provide.  I would suggest starting your day with breakfast on your balcony and a wonderful view of the city rooftops.

The location of the hotel is great and within walking distance of most of the tourist attractions. It is a real treat to explore the busy allies of Venice and stumble upon unique gift shops and restaurants. If you have a lot of luggage the hotel will organize you a city porter in no time to assist you with the heavy load.

Overall, I can recommend Hotel Papadopoli Venezia to any traveller visiting Venice. Personally, the comfortable stay and attentive service contributed to a wonderful experience and many cherished memories.

Hotel Reviewed by Michelle Snyman – Brand Manager of World Luxury Hotel Awards.

To view this hotel click here

To phone +39 041 710400

 

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Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese – Rome – Italy

Arriving at Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese, guests are welcomed to a cozy lobby styled with classic as well as contemporary décor. A beautiful crystal chandelier hangs from the roof, while the colorful avant-garde painting against the wall and a vintage Vespa scooter parked next to the staircase sets the scene. The walls of the hotel are lined with 1960’s black and white portraits of films stars. Guests are transported back the glamorous vintage era of La Dolce Vita, a famous Italian film that translates into “the good life”.

images of hotel

This boutique hotel features 81 luxury rooms, conference as well as meeting space. The hotel also features the La Terrasse Cuisine & Lounge that provides a breathtaking rooftop view over the city of Rome. It is no surprise that Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese was voted as the 2017 global winner in the category, Luxury Rooftop View Hotel, during the 2017 World Luxury Hotel Awards.

view from rooftop

Guests can enjoy a Mediterranean lunch or gourmet dinner at the award-winning restaurant or sip a cocktail during sunset while enjoying the spectacular view of the capital.

bar

The hotel is located close to the famous Spanish steps and is only a 15-minute taxi ride from tourist attractions like the Vatican Museums, the Colosseum and the Borghese Gallery. The staff are incredibly helpful and the concierge team comes highly recommended to assist you in organizing a perfect day out.

room

The rooms are comfortable and offer Sofitel MyBed® bedding, marble bathrooms, luxury bathrobes, WIFI and 24-hour room service. One of the features that stood out in the room was a portable telephone that ensures connectivity as well as a mobile network to foreign travelers.

staircase into the hotel lobby

Guests can look forward to a comfortable and stylish stay at Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese.

Hotel Reviewed by Michelle Snyman – Brand Manager of World Luxury Hotel Awards.

To view this hotel click here

To phone +39 06478021