SPOTLIGHT ON LONDON'S LUXURY NEW HOTELS OPENING 2016

We've chosen our top three hotel openings to look forward in 2016 so that you can get planning your stay!

Four Seasons at Ten Trinity Square

Tower Bridge, London

Part of a string of new Four Seasons opening all across the world, the Ten Trinity Square is an iconic London landmark. A grade II listed building, it oozes elegance and grandeur with its intricate stone statues and sculptures - a perfect match for the Four Seasons legacy!

Intercontinental London at the O2

Waterview Drive, Greenwich, London

A very clever move by the Intercontinental Group, finally a hotel within walking distance of the mighty O2 arena! The hotel will maintain its world renown reputation of excellent service and top facilities across all of its 453 rooms, we're most excited about the 18th floor sky bar which will no doubt offer some truly stunning views of the Thames.

Nobu Shoreditch

Willow Street, Shoreditch, London

The third establishment of the ever expanding Nobu chain headed by actor Robert De Niro and Chef Nobu Matsuhisa is due to open in trendy Shoreditch with 156 rooms across five floors. 

If you'd like some more information please check our website for London's finest hotels or give us a call +44 2077249911 

TOP TEN: BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN NEW YORK

Here are New York's finest boutique hotels, ideal for those in search of a more personal, understated stay in the Big Apple.

New York Edition 

Madison Avenue, Midtown

Mere steps from Madison Square Park, the Edition prides itself on impeccable service in the heart of the city whilst also boasting a spa and Michelin starred restaurant.

The Surrey

Madison Avenue, Upper East Side

An intimate setting, rooms are a home from home where service is discreet, allowing high-profile guests to enjoy care-free stays in a 'marriage of classic and modernity'.

Gramercy Park

Lexington Avenue, Gramercy

A favourite among the stars for nearly a century and it's plain to see why. No expense was spared on this take of the grand New York hotel, walls are adorned with original artworks (including Warhols and Basquiats) and rooms feature unique luxury amenities. Guests are even given a key to Gramercy Park, the only private park in NYC.

Viceroy

West 57th Street, Midtown

A true Midtown hotel combining the character of downtown NY with the 'cosmopolitan spirit' of uptown. Exuding individual style and chic as a boutique hotel should, Viceroy offers true NYC luxury.

Westhouse

West 55th Street, Midtown

Inspired by Art Deco glam, Westhouse transports guests to a time of luxury and pizazz. At the heart of the city's cultural and artistic neighbourhoods, Westhouse blends classic NY apartment comfort with stunning five star style.

Crosby Street

Crosby Street, Soho

Vibrantly styled and decorated, Crosby Street packs a punch. In true boutique hotel style it oozes character and isn't short on amenities either featuring a 99 seat screening room, fully kitted gym - all the while situated in fashionable SoHo.

Smyth

West Broadway, TriBeCa

An oasis of calm in the hustle and bustle of New York, a recent renovation designed by Gachot Studios aims to encapsulate the character and charm of contemporary TriBeCa.

Lowell

Park Avenue, Upper East Side

In NY's most exclusive and fashionable neighbourhood, the Lowell provides elegance and sophistication for the discerning guest. With all the luxury of a grand hotel, amenities also include a fitness centre with personal trainers and top of the line equipment.

Refinery

West 38th Street, Midtown

A chic hotel at the epicentre of the fashion district, the Refinery oozes style with its prohibition era tea room, signature restaurant and a  rooftop bar with staggering views of the empire state building. All rooms come with i-Home docking station, complimentary wifi and full cable TV as standard. 

NoMad

Broadway

Housed in a restored Beaux-Arts building, NoMad is full of character and individuality. Intended as a fresh take on the classic European Grand Hotel, Jacques Garcia designed each room individually, finishing each with original artworks and signature touches such as deep mahogany writing desks.

For more information on bookings in New York and worldwide please call 0207 724 9911 or visit 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

TUESDAY TOP TEN: THE WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE HOTEL ROOMS

This week we take a look at some of the most expensive hotel rooms in the world, offering their guests the epitome of luxury and elegance all finished with unrivalled five star signature service....

Two Storey Sky Villa, Palms Casino Resort Las Vegas

From £16,108 per night

Overlooking the notorious Vegas strip, the 9,000 square foot Sky Villa really is one of a kind. A glass enclosed swimming pool hangs on the balcony edge overlooking Vegas' glittering city lights. The Villa also comes with personal glass elevator, private dry sauna, massage and fitness room as well as round the clock butler service.

Presidential Suite, St Regis New York

From £22,539 per night

Designed to inspire their travelling guests with original artworks and treasures from around the world, this suite inspired by surrounding Fifth Avenue apartments boasts unrivalled views over Central Park through its floor to ceiling windows. It features a full kitchen, wood-panelled library and spa style bathroom with jacuzzi along with dozens of other outstanding perks.

Amanyara Villa, Amanyara Turks and Caicos

From £22,540 per night

The Aman Villas, each spread over half a hectare of land and with private access to the hotel's very own beach, come in one of three different outlooks. Tranquillity Villas are surrounded by gardens and reflection ponds, Ocean Villas have unrivalled ocean views and Beach Villas are mere steps away from the powdery white sand beach. 

Penthouse Suite, Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez

From £27,416 per night

The seventh floor, 300 square metre suite stays true to the glitz and glamour long associated with the French Riviera.  It comprises a 270 square metre terrace for guests to lap up the sun whilst overlooking the bay and the Boulevard de la Croisette.

Shahi Mahal Suite, Raj Palace Jaipur

From £28,595 per night

The original palace of the seventeenth century Rajput Maharaja, the Raj Palace's Shahi Mahal brings together historic opulence and modern five star quality. Finished with original artworks from the Maharaja's palace the Shahi Mahal suite is a four floor suite spanning 16,000 square feet complete with private entrance, roof top terrace and jacuzzi.

The Palace, Jumeirah Bodrum Palace

From £28,872 per night

The Palace fit for royalty, no expense was spared when designing this suite. Expect golden lion statues, a private hammam bath, six king bedrooms with eight marble bathrooms sprawled out over three floors and 2,000 square metres of endless luxury.

Hilltop Residence, Laucala Island Fiji

From £34,086 per night

The Laucala Island resort's crowning glory is its Hilltop Residence - a resort within a resort. This private complex combines 1,200 square metres of living space with 11,000 square metres of bedroom space along with numerous other quarters. Those occupying the residence can expect unrivalled service with a private chef, nanny and chauffeur to cater to their every need.

Ty Warner Penthouse, Four Seasons New York

From £36,956 per night

Towering over other New York suites, the Ty Warner Penthouse is the tallest suite in the city at a staggering 800 feet above ground. This one of a kind suite took seven years and $50 million to build, plying guests with luxury with its calfskin leather walled dressing room, Zen room waterfall and Chinese onyx clad bathrooms. Finishing touches come in the form of 24 hour access to a chauffeured Rolls Royce, art concierge, personal trainer and all-inclusive access to the hotel spa and dining.

Owner's Villa, Cheval Blanc Randheli Maldives

Price Upon Request

Designed by the renowned Jean Michel Gathy, the Randheli's Owner's Villa comes with its own private island. The four bedroom villa sits on one hectare of private land where guests can enjoy unlimited access to its private 25 metre pool, spa, white sand beaches and of course dedicated chefs and staff.

Royal Penthouse, President Wilson Hotel Geneva

From £53,000 per night

It is plain to see why the Wilson's Royal Penthouse is one of the most expensive hotel stays in the world. One of the largest and most luxurious suites at a staggering 1700 square metres, it offers its visitors inimitable views of the stunning Lake Geneva and its gorgeous mountain backdrop. Along with its glorious vista, guests have twelve luxury bedrooms at their disposal, twelve marble bathrooms, a Steinway piano and private gym along with countless further perks that leave nothing to be desired. Of course, the Penthouse is often host to countless VIPs who can sleep peacefully knowing they are protected by bulletproof glass as well as a private lift ensuring the utmost privacy.

If you'd like to find out more please visit our website or call us on 020 7724 9911

TUESDAY TRAVEL: A GUIDE TO NORTHERN ITALY

From fabulous food to speedy supercars, experience the best of Italy with a tour of its infamous northern cities and regions. A short two hour flight from London Heathrow to Milan can see you enjoying an aperitif in the sunshine in no time at all…..

Sip champagne beside the exclusive Lake Como, home of the stars, where you can enjoy a two night stay in a luxury lakeside villa as you explore the beautiful vistas and villas nearby via speedboat. Alternatively, stay in the infamous Villa D’Este Hotel, one of Italy’s most luxurious establishments with a highly coveted lakeside location and a floating in-lake pool. Full of charming character and steeped in history, its countless bars and restaurants make Lake Como the perfect setting to kick off an Italian voyage.

A short journey down south and you'll enjoy the marvels of Milan – Europe’s fashion capital! A three night stay in the perfectly positioned Park Hyatt Hotel Milan will allow you to shop ‘til you drop. Whether power shopper or leisurely stroller, the notorious ‘golden rectangle’ of shopping is a tempting five minute walk away so you can fill your designer boots with your favourite fashion house’s offerings.

Sit back and relax as you travel to Bologna, the heart of the Emilia Romagna region – heralded as producing some of the finest foods in the world. From Prosciutto to Parmesan, see first-hand the countless effort and labour behind these delicious culinary delights with exclusive factory tours and more importantly – tastings! Put your knowledge to the test as you take part in authentic cooking lessons sharing age old family recipes and tips along with market tours, sampling some of the freshest produce the region has to offer. Spend three nights at the Grand Hotel Majestic in the heart of Bologna, allowing you to dine at celebrated Michelin star restaurants, including I Portici where you can sample authentic Neapolitan cuisine with the freshest produce from the Campania region. No trip to Italy would be complete without a visit to its notorious Motor Valley. Here you can dive head first into all that is supercars with Maserati, Lamborghini and Ferrari factories and museums. To really put those top speeds to the test, opt for an exclusive test drive day on the infamous Fiorano track where racing professionals will give you insider tips to really put those engines to good use.

For a taste of classic architecture and Europe’s ultimate collection of Renaissance art it doesn’t get any better than Florence. A three night stay at the sumptuous St. Regis or the ever tasteful Four Seasons will put you at the heart of the action and allow you to stroll to the Uffizi gallery to marvel at its many masterpieces or wander past the Basilicata Santa Maria del Fiore on your way for a meal at the triple Michelin starred Enoteca Pinchiorri. No tour of Florence would be complete without a visit to the Galleria dell’Accademia, guaranteed to wow as you admire Michelangelo’s David and other world-renowned pieces.

Having conquered Florence, finish off your trip at L’Andana hotel for three nights of ultimate relaxation. The former residence of the Duke of Tuscany offers guests an oasis of calm providing the perfect ending to a lifetime of memories. Home to Alain Ducasse’s only restaurant in Italy as well as an 18 hole golf course, spa and gym, you’ll be spoilt for choice when deciding how to spend your days. Try your hand at wine tasting, bike riding, tennis, or explore a little more with a Yacht excursion to nearby Elba Island – whatever you choose staff are on hand to cater to your every whim and ensure your stay is more than perfect.

If you'd like to find out more, check out our website or give us a call on 020 7724 9911

FRIDAY FEATURE: LONDON'S BEST HOTEL BARS

Visiting London? Make the most of your stay by checking out some of the world's finest bars, from contemporary cocktails to classic aged Whiskeys, this is our list of some of London's best hotel bars to help keep you 'hydrated'.

Vista

The Trafalgar, Trafalgar Square SW1A 2TS

The Trafalgar's 'Vista' aptly translates to ' The View', stunningly situated above Trafalgar Square, Vista's roof terrace on top of the Trafalgar hotel offers a sense of tranquillity among the chaos of London's famous square. It's a classy affair with an abundance of black wicker, scatter cushions and even its own herb garden.

Open early April, Monday - Saturday 12pm - 1am and Sundays 12pm - 10pm
020 7870 2900

   

                                                                                

Artesian

The Langham Hotel, Portland Place, W1B 1JA

Heralded by Drinks International as the 'World's Best Bar' for three years running, 'Artesian' at the Langham Hotel combines Alex Kratena's unique cocktail creativity with a playful David Collins' interior, providing a drinking experience like no other. Kratena's inimitable cocktails pervade all of the senses guaranteeing an unforgettable and fun evening.

Open Monday - Saturday 11am - 2am and Sundays 11am - 12am
020 7636 1000

The Connaught Bar

Connaught Hotel, Mayfair, W1K 2AL

A sense of occasion and glamour, the Connaught Bar is the ideal place for celebration and luxury. Another of David Collins' interior masterpieces, inspired by Edwardian fashion and decor, provides the perfect ambience to enjoy the extensive cocktail menu and impress your guests.

Open Monday - Saturday 4pm - 1am

020 7499 7070

Dukes

Dukes Hotel, St. James' Place, SW1A 1NY

If Martini is your choice tipple then look no further! Stocked with choice ingredients selected by Dukes' own cocktail maestro Alessandro Palazzi, this hotel bar offers contemporary drinks whilst also catering to those with a more classic palate.

Open Monday - Saturday 2pm - 11pm and Sundays 4pm - 10.30pm

020 7431 4840

Dandelyan

Mondrian London Hotel, Southbank, SE1 9PD

The combination of breathtaking river views and Tom Dixon's interior design is what defines Dandelyan as one of the city's best hotel bars. However, its rooftop location overlooking the glittering city light is not its only draw, the botany inspired drinks menu designed by Ryan Chetiyawardana (of White Lyan in Shoreditch) make drinking here guilt free (almost!) and above all an absolute pleasure.

Open Monday - Wednesday 4pm - 1am, Thursday - Saturday 12pm - 1.30am and Sundays 12pm - 12.30am 

0203 747 1000

To find out more about exclusive holidays and luxury hotels, please visit our website or give us a call on 020 7724 9911

TOP TEN: BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN LONDON

If you're looking for an intimate, more personal hotel, a boutique hotel is the choice for you. Boutique hotels are smaller than traditional hotels with a more individual feel, without compromising their luxury or grandeur. The following hotels are some of London's finest five star establishments, offering a wide range of amenities and facilities all the while retaining their boutique feel.

45 Park Lane

45 Park Lane exudes style and glamour with its Art Deco inspired interior and deep natural furnishings, all the while remaining warm and welcoming. As its name suggests, its location is rather enviable, situated near London's exclusive Knightsbridge with views overlooking the infamous Hyde Park. 45 Park Lane is home to Wolfgang Puck's fantastic CUT restaurant which provides a novel approach to its classic steak and chips themed menu.

The Baglioni

From the moment you walk into reception the Baglioni oozes Italian style and chic, its cascading waterfall feature offset by oversized gold vases set the precedent for each of its 67 rooms. On its doorstep lies the gorgeous Kensington Gardens which can be enjoyed from its alfresco dining terrace area. Guests can also lap up the luxury in the Brunello Restaurant which serves cutting edge Italian cuisine accompanied by an impressive wine list stocking over 500 labels.

Browns

London's first luxury hotel, Browns is steeped in history. A charming bastion of sophistication and refinement, apparent in each of its 117 rooms, it continues to remain one of London's most private and secluded luxury establishments. Quintessentially British, it's no surprise Browns' Hix Mayfair restaurant serves up one of London's best roasts along with a fantastic afternoon tea.

Bulgari

An outpost of the high fashion brand, its name alone incites a sense of sumptuous style. Guests are greeted at reception by a mix of cool steel and marble furnishings creating a sensational sultry feel, a grand steel staircase sweeps down from the bar area to Bulgari's sleek Rivea restaurant which serves the finest Italian cuisine. Along with 24 hour butler service, the Bulgari also boasts more staff than there are rooms, all of whom are always on hand to fulfil guests' every request.

The Connaught

Due to its recent renovation, the Connaught is a mix of contemporary amenities in a classic, more traditional setting. The best of both worlds, guests can choose between traditional rooms with a more classic, subtle elegance or rooms finished with clean lines and striking modernity. Although a London luxury staple since 1897, the Connaught consistently continues to be at the forefront of excellent service, year upon year the Connaught bar tops the list of world's best bar. 

The Milestone

Found in classy Kensington, one thing this charming hotel isn't short on is character. An exclusive hotel, with only 57 rooms to cater for, enabling staff to provide a personal and tailor made service for each guest. Each of their rooms is individually designed and immaculately finished, ensuring a unique and unforgettable experience with each stay. 

The Wellesley

At the forefront of London's most exclusive and private hotels lies the Wellesley. This Knightsbridge hotel offers an intimate stay with only 36 rooms, without compromising on any five star luxuries. Rooms are stylish with an Art Deco inspired design, adorned with the latest pieces from the contemporary art scene. A personal favourite of this London hotel is its cigar terrace, stocked with the finest vintage Havanas and limited edition Behikes.

Belgraves

Thompson's first hotel in Europe, this ultra trendy and style conscious hotel mixes a New York fashion feel with a carefully thought out British design. Describing itself as 'Britannia meets Bohemia', its ideal location in Knightsbridge, a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace, makes it the perfect base for those wanting to explore London

The Halkin

This hotel is perfect for guests in search of tranquillity amidst the hustle and bustle of London. A large renovated townhouse with soft curving corridors and bright rooms overlooking a courtyard garden finished in clean natural tones, all located in a peaceful Belgravia street allowing guests to be near the action but not in it.

Looking for a hotel? Check out our website or give us a call on 020 7724 9911