As promised in my UK favourite hotels post (click here), here are my favourite hotels in Europe and the Rest of the World.
Favourite Hotels in Europe
La Perouse, Nice
The Hotel La Perouse is situated at the end of the famous Promenade des Anglais. It is built on a promontory overlooking the Bay of Angels. It has a very discrete entrance which you would mistake for a private home if you didn’t know the hotel address.
That amazing view
Why? It certainly has what is probably the best location in Nice, convenient for the old town, promenade and port. The view down the Promenade des Anglais and over the Bay of Angels is stunning. There is a small swimmimg pool and an elegant restaurant specialising in Provencal cuisine. The rooms are all different, traditional but with modern touches. We were upgraded to a suite on the top floor with its own terrace and that view, perfect. It definitely deserves its designation as one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Our beautiful suite
Top Tips? Book direct with the hotel – you get breakfast included, otherwise its £21 per person. Make sure you book a Superior Full Sea View room as a minimum, its worth the extra for that view alone. Make sure to try one of the iconic Nice beach clubs, one of the best Castel Plage is situated directly in front of the hotel.
The Grand Mark, Prague
A luxury 5 star hotel, situated only 5 minutes from the Old Town Square.
Why? Stayed here with friends on a weekend in Prague, we stayed in Executive Suites which was absolutely stunning. Large lounge area with small kitchen and dining area, dressing room, superb bathroom, additional separate toilet and a bedroom to die for! The decor and furnishings were beautiful, the bed so large and comfortable, and the housekeeping spot on. The hotel staff were friendly, polite and efficient. Breakfast was delicious, loads of choice and all of good quality. The lounge and bar kept with the luxury theme throughout the hotel. Great location, all the main sites in Prague within walking distance.
Go for an Executive Suite definitely worth the extra
Top Tips – Treat yourself to an Executive Suite – its definitely worth the extra cost. Make sure you spend some time on the other side of the river in Mala Strana – my favourite part of Prague, beautiful squares with great bars and cafes, not as frenetic as the Old Town Square area.
Corinthia Hotel, Budapest
Originally the Grand Royal Hotel opened in 1896, the Corinthia in the centre of Budapest definitely still retains that sense of grandness. We visited just before Christmas, the tree and decorations in the reception area were breathtaking.
Why? The hotel retains that sense of grandness and tradition but with all the luxury and mod cons you would expect from a leading 5 star hotel. We stayed in an Executive King room which was very spacious, with a magnificent marble bathroom. Being in an Executive room gave you free access to the hotel’s spa facilities and the Executive Lounge with complementary drinks and snacks served all day. The breakfast was served in the Atrium – offering a huge selection of delicious dishes. The location was perfect in the city centre within walking distance of most of the main sights and places of interest.
Top Tips – definitely go for an Executive room as a minimum, entrance to the lounge and spa are worth the extra. Make sure you book a breakfast inclusive rate, one of the best hotel breakfasts ever!
Favourite Hotels in the Rest of the World
Raffles, Singapore
Without a doubt the best hotel experience I have ever had.
Why? When you enter the hotel it is like going back in time, there is that feeling of colonial splendour. The service at Raffles cannot be faulted. Staff really care, their customer service skills are impeccable. It is an all-suite hotel, they are beautiful, luxurious with loads of character. The lounges and public areas are beautiful, especially the main reception area. Great choice of restaurants from fine dining to casual Chinese and Italian.
Top Tips – The world famous Long Bar is commercialised and touristy. However if you are visiting Singapore you have to pay a visit to sample the original Singapore Sling. Raffles is very expensive, but for a special treat highly recommended.
Mara Bushtops, Kenya
A new addition to my favourite hotels following our recent Kenyan trip. Mara Bushtops is a luxury tented camp situated in a private conservancy on the edge of the Masai Mara. (for full review click here)
Why? Wild Luxury is the strap line here and you certainly get bucketfuls! It is amazing to find this luxury oasis in the middle of the African bush. It is idyllic spot. Just 12 tents, more like 5 star luxury hotel suites, with your own personal butler. A huge wooden balcony with private hot tub overlooking the savannah and the wildlife. Utter perfection!
Top Tips – Make sure you have some time to take advantage of the on-site Amani spa. The treatments are amazing, you have your massage in open thatched huts. There is also an infinity pool which is elevated over the bush with wildlife strolling along below you. It is unforgettable!
Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai
The Jumeirah Beach Hotel is one of Dubai’s oldest luxury hotels, opened in 1997, 2 years before its neighbour the Burj Al Arab. However it still looks so modern and futuristic. They are both iconic sights in Dubai built to resemble a Wave and a Sail.
Why? From the moment we were met at Dubai airport by the hotel limo we knew we were in for a special hotel experience. Check in with champagne in the executive lounge confirmed this and then our room, a wall of glass overlooking the sea and the Burj, a bathroom bigger than our bedroom at home and a bed that could easily sleep 4 people. The Jumeirah Beach hotel definitely had the wow factor! There are a staggering 21 restaurants and bars, all of a very high standard.
Top Tips – Watch out for some great offers including complementary half board and room upgrades. If you book an Executive room or a suite you get access to the executive lounge with free drinks and canapes, the executive pool with its private cabanas and an invite to the manager’s cocktail party, quite an event!
The Guestbooks Comment: “This is definitely a post I will need to keep under review as I hopefully continue my travels to Europe and the rest of the world.”