HOLLYWOOD HISTORY: TOP 10 ICONIC MOVIE HOTELS

Hotels have long been the backdrop to many legendary movies, here are some of the most iconic settings to Hollywood's biggest blockbusters - see if you recognise any!

The Orient Express from Murder on the Orient Express

The infamous train journey through Europe and into Asia, where the East meets the West, was the setting for the classic Agatha Christie murder mystery.

Caesar's Palace Las Vegas from The Hangover

As seen in the outrageous 2009 comedy where a groom and his three friends run riot in Las Vegas during a stag party gone terribly, terribly wrong.

Park Hyatt Tokyo from Lost in Translation

The Bill Murray movie about an unlikely friendship struck up after a chance meeting in the Park Hyatt's hotel bar perfectly captures the bright lights of Tokyo.

Beverly Wilshire Los Angeles from Pretty Woman 

The modern day Cinderella story's most iconic scenes take place in the Wilshire's presidential suite, overlooking L.A.. The hotel is so connected with the international smash hit that they even offer 'Pretty Woman for a day' packages!

The Fontaine Bleau Miami from Scarface

One of the most luxurious Miami Beach hotels has had its pool feature in countless Hollywood blockbusters. From Goldfinger to the Bodyguard and more notably in the rise and fall of vicious gangster Tony Montana - Scarface.

The Plaza New York from Home Alone II

Another hotel which has frequently appeared on the big screen, not only did Macaulay Culkin famously run amok in this luxury hotel, it has also played host to other films such as Crocodile Dundee, North by Northwest and Almost Famous!

Vertigo Hotel San Francisco from Vertigo

Formerly known as the Empire Hotel, the hotel's name change alone shows its close affiliation with the Hitchcock classic. Not only did the film's character Judy live at the hotel, James Stewart and Kim Novak who star in Vertigo stayed there during filming.

Grandhotel Pupp Czech Republic from Casino Royale

The ostentatious hotel referred to as 'Hotel Splendide' in the Daniel Craig film, sees Bond frolicking around in its reception area and car park after a meal in the hotel restaurant.

Hotel Sidi Driss Tunisia from Star Wars

The hotel's simplistic façade made it ideal as Luke Skywalker's tatooine homestead where he grows up. The hotel has now become a popular 'pilgrimage' site for die-hard Star Wars fans.

Royal Lancaster Hotel London from The Italian Job

The birthplace of Michael Caine's iconic 'hiya Charlie' moment, the Royal Lancaster is where he's commissioned to carry out the eponymous heist by Beckermann's widow.

TUESDAY TOP TEN: BEST RESTAURANTS IN THE WORLD 2015

Here are the best restaurants in the world as picked by the San Pellegrino 'World's 50 Best Restaurants' awards.

10. Gaggan

Bangkok, Thailand

Serving progressive Indian fare, chef Gaggan Anand's food is inspired by the street food of his childhood and continues to push boundaries by reinventing traditional Indian cuisine.

9. D.O.M.

Sao Paolo, Brazil

The inspiration behind Alex Atala's D.O.M. is his love for his native Brazil. A DJ turned chef, he frequently sets off deep into the Amazon to explore and unearth never before tasted flavours for his guests to delight in. 

8. Narisawa

Tokyo, Japan

Although a more cosmopolitan affair with distinct French undertones, Narisawa stays true to its Japanese roots with a focus on unique Japanese ingredients. From fugu to sea snake, Narisawa's dining experience is not one to be missed.

7. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal

London, England

London's very own Dinner at the Mandarin Oriental continues to amaze diners with Heston's signature extravagant dishes. Famed for his experimental cuisine, Dinner offers traditional English food dating back hundreds of years all finished with Heston's inimitable boisterous flavours and modern cooking techniques.

6. Mugaritz

San Sebastian, Spain

Conventional dining is done with at Mugaritz where diners aren't offered a menu but instead are treated to 24 tasting dishes tailored to their tastes and preference. Examples of Aduriz's quirky cuisine include edible cutlery and dishes which tell a story through sight, taste and smell for a complete sensory experience.

5. Eleven Madison Park

New York, USA

'Modern French with a New York twist', here diners are treated to fantastic food with impeccable service. A stand-out feature of E.M.P. is its endeavour to ensure that guests are wowed by their food, they even go as far as researching each of their guests for the evening in order to tailor each dish to their specific likes and dislikes. 

4. Central

Lima, Peru

Taking diners on 'a vertical journey across Peru's landscape', Central sources traditional Peruvian produce to capture its vast array of flavours and tastes. Drawing on Peru's extensive resources, diners are transported to the mountains, sea, deserts and jungle through Cental's gorgeous tasting menu. 

3. Noma

Copenhagen, Denmark

Last year's top spot and heralded as 'one of the most influential restaurants of the 21st century', Noma continues to astound with its changing seasonal menu and its passion for more alternative cooking methods such as fermenting and pickling. 

2. Osteria Francescana

Modena, Italy 

Massimo Bottura's elegant restaurant in the quiet backstreets of Modena has been thrilling diners with contemporary takes on Italian greats for twenty years. Inspired by art and music, Bottura continues to uphold his international reputation with exquisite dishes such as rabbit macaroons and 

suckling pig with balsamic vinegar.

1. El Celler de Can Roca

Girona, Spain

The brainchild of the three Roca brothers, each bringing their unique style and flair allowing El Celler de Can Roca to be crowned the best restaurant in the world. Joan, Jordi and and Josep combine to create an unbeatable team of chef, pastry chef and sommelier allowing them to tailor every aspect of a meal for the discerning diner's pleasure. El Celler references traditional Spanish cuisine with avant-garde techniques all served in a humble restaurant with a distinct familial warmth for a dining experience unlike any other in the world. 

If you'd like to find out more about our favourite London restaurants, check out our website

TUESDAY TRAVEL: ISLAND HOPPING IN THE MEDITERRANEAN

Kick start your Mediterranean adventure with an action packed three nights in Crete. Fly direct with British Airways from London Gatwick to Heraklion before being chauffeured to the gorgeous Elounda Bay Palace Hotel. Overlooking Mirabello Bay, the hotel offers stunning views as well as action packed fun catering for everything and anything from water-skiing to scuba diving excursions. When you’ve had your fill of fun the onsite spa is always on-hand to help you relax and the hotel’s four restaurants ensure that your taste buds are always more than satisfied.

Next stop, St. George’s Bay, Malta where three nights at the opulent Corinthia Hotel and Spa will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. The hotel, steeped in history and tradition, offers its guests the ultimate in relaxation as the charm and understated elegance of the hotel along with Corinthia’s famed attentive service combine to create an oasis of calm to which guests can retreat.

Travel to foodie paradise at Forte Village Resort on the iconic Sardinian coastline where white sandy beaches meet crystal blue seas. The resort offers the ultimate holiday package with tennis courts, multiple pools, Michelin star restaurants, nightclub and go karting. If that isn't enough, the resort sits on the edge of an award winning beach whose warm climate and particularly warm sea provide a stunning setting for holidaymakers in search of sun.

A three day spa break at the renowned Capri Palace featuring the world’s best spa provides the perfect remedy for any remaining stress. The hotel isn't short on dining options either with three restaurants on site, two of which are Michelin starred. Explore the nearby ancient Acropolis Anacapri where life slows down a pace and allows you to take in its beautiful surroundings on an evening ‘passeggiata’, ice cream in hand.

Complete your Mediterranean break with three nights in inimitable Ibiza where you can let your hair down and relax in hotel ME Ibiza’s unrivalled opulence.  Sitting beach side,

 enjoy its endless list of amenities including rooftop spa, bar and pool with 360 degree views and beach club with direct yacht access. When it all gets a bit too much there’s a 27 hole golf course nearby. Enjoy the best of Ibiza in its iconic old town, just thirty minutes down the road, ideal for long, luxurious dinners overlooking the beaches or to simply sip champagne in style.

For more information check out our website or give us a call on 020 7724 9911