Archive for April, 2011
Daily Dream – Umaid Bhawan Palace
Thursday, April 28th, 2011What’s in a name… here’s 10 of the best ‘Royal’ Hotels
Thursday, April 28th, 2011It occurred to me as I walked round my home town of Royal Tunbridge Wells that others who share a ‘Royal’ name maybe gearing up to celebrate with just a little more pomp and ceremony than usual. A quick search on Drake & Cavendish tells me that we feature 63 luxury hotels with ‘Royal’ in their name. You can see the full list at this link ‘Royal Hotels’.
Using a combination of our own user reviews and those of TripAdvisor, I’ve put together a Top 10 List of the best ‘Royal Hotels’… I wonder which one Wills is taking Kate to?!
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Luxury meets the wild in the heart of Africa’s finest bushveld where Royal Malewane’s expert guides and trackers ensure intimate game experiences and close sightings of the big five. Sumptuous dining is a signatory feature, as the lodge is the first to boast a Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Blazon for cuisine. Rated 4.9 out of 5 on the Drake & Cavendish user review scale |
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One&Only Royal Mirage pays tribute to Arabian architecture and hospitality on a truly regal scale. Considered the most stylish resort on Jumeira Beach, it comprises three equally distinctive properties – The Palace, Arabian Court and Residence & Spa. Rated 4.6 out of 5 on the Drake & Cavendish user review scale |
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Relais Royal – Mirepoix in Ariege Hotel Relais Royal is situated in the heart of the French medieval castle town of Mirepoix, in the Ariège region. The Hotel offers a blend of culture and innovation, together with luxurious and modern comfort, all of which is in complete harmony with the historical setting of Mirepoix. Rated 4.8 out of 5 on the Drake & Cavendish user review scale |
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Royal Palms Spa & Resort Hotel Phoenix Privacy remains the ultimate luxury at Royal Palms Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Arizona. Enchanting stone walkways curve throughout the property, inviting hotel guests to indulge in a leisurely stroll amongst the fragrant citrus groves and exotic foliage. Rated 4.6 out of 5 on the Drake & Cavendish user review scale |
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When you choose Royal Palm for your holiday in Mauritius, you can expect perfection from start to finish; it is undeniably the finest hotel in Mauritius. Located on the sheltered north-west coast, stretching along a pure white sandy beach, Royal Palm is a tranquil tropical haven with an uncompromising commitment to excellence. Rated 4.6 out of 5 on the Drake & Cavendish user review scale |
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Royal Angkor Resort Hotel Siem Reap The Five Star, Royal Angkor Resort, consists of a 5 hectares compound that is located in a beautiful landscape surrounded by a tree lined tropical garden. Inspired by the early 20th century architectures, the resort has its own unique theme with traditional Khmer decoration and handmade colonial style furniture. Rated 4.6 out of 5 on the Drake & Cavendish user review scale |
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The Royal Hideaway Playacar By Occidental Situated on the breathtaking beaches of Mexico’s pristine Riviera Maya, the Royal Hideaway Playacar effortlessly blends world-class service with impeccable style. As the world’s first adult-only all-inclusive resort to earn the prestigious AAA 5-Diamond Award, Royal Hideaway Playacar serves guests an unforgettable vacation experience with infinite opportunities for luxuriant indulgences. Rated 4.6 out of 5 on the Drake & Cavendish user review scale |
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Royal Davui Island Resort is an exclusive adults-only sanctuary situated in Fiji’s spectacular Beqa Lagoon. 16 exquisitely appointed Vales nestled around 10 acres of lush tropical landscape allowing for no more than 32 guests on the island at any one time, ensuring the ultimate in privacy, personal service and relaxation. Rated 4.6 out of 5 on the Drake & Cavendish user review scale |
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The Hotel Splendide Royal in Rome is a luxury five stars hotel, designed to be royal, luxurious and the same stature of the most accredited hotels in Europe. Located in the noble center of Rome, a city which was and is once again an intersection of cultures and communication. Rated 4.5 out of 5 on the Drake & Cavendish user review scale |
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In 2007, Royalton proudly re-opened its doors onto midtown Manhattan, re-thought, re-imagined, but still an icon. Morgans commissioned Roman and Williams, the New York design firm, to re-create Royalton’s legendary lobby as a crossroads for international travelers and the New York elite. The design – simultaneously sophisticated and complex – juxtaposes an icy cast-glass vestibule and brutalist steel and brass furnishings with soft suede upholstery, thick leather walls and hide-covered chairs to create a dark, sexy and luxurious space. Rated 4.2 out of 5 on the Drake & Cavendish user review scale |
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Daily Dream – The Wickaninnish Inn
Wednesday, April 27th, 2011Daily Dream – The Royal Palm Hotel
Tuesday, April 26th, 2011Hotel brands suspected of price fixing
Tuesday, April 26th, 2011Three major hotel chains have come under scrutiny after a national newspaper claims it has seen evidence that they are price fixing with online travel agents.
Radisson, Thistle and Starwood were named by the paper as the groups supposedly colluding with OTAs.
An Office of Fair Trading investigation began last year into the possibility that hotel groups were stopping agents from discounting on rooms.
The investigation was kicked off by complaints from an online retailer claiming that it was told that if it discounted below a certain rate it would not be able to sell rooms in the future.
The Telegraph say it has seen documents that show Radisson, Thistle and Starwood are involved in the investigation.
The OFT says the enquiry is still at its early stages but was “an administrative priority”.
Source: Travel Mole (26 April 2011)
Daily Dream – explora Rapa Nui
Sunday, April 24th, 2011Daily Dream – Hotel Las Alamandas
Saturday, April 23rd, 2011Top 10 Best Four Seasons Hotels in Europe
Friday, April 22nd, 2011Below are the top 10 Four Seasons Hotels in Europe rated by TripAdvisor user recommendations. (Updated 22 April 2011)
You’ll find direct contact details for all these Four Seasons Hotels on our website.
In addition to these Top 10 Four Seasons Hotels in Europe, you can also see the entire Four Seasons portfolio at this link: http://www.drakeandcavendish.com/hotel_chains/four_seasons_hotels_and_resorts/
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AIn the heart of Geneva, the city’s first hotel – and still the first choice of sophisticated travellers and world statesmen – has been a landmark on Lake Geneva since 1834. Now, as Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues, it blends a revitalised sense of history with today’s essentials for work and relaxation. 100% of TripAdvisor reviewers recommend this hotel |
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TThe renaissance of an Art Nouveau landmark, exquisitely transformed with ultra-modern comforts, Four Seasons combines luxury and intuitive service with panoramic vistas of the Danube and the hills of Buda. 96% of TripAdvisor reviewers recommend this hotel |
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Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus TOn the European bank of the Bosphorus – which flows through Istanbul’s history and heart – Four Seasons gives a 19th-century palace a fresh, eclectic spirit. Alluring facilities include a chic urban spa. Fine restaurants and pools by the quayside overlook the Asian shore. And all are awash in the light, space and excitement of this water’s-edge location. 94% of TripAdvisor reviewers recommend this hotel |
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An enchanted city sanctuary in the midst of Florence, where an art-filled Renaissance palazzo and conventino frame a centuries-old private park. Relax amidst original frescoes and sculptured reliefs, graced by sunlight and airy garden vistas. Sip cappuccino under majestic trees, lounge by the open-air pool or bask in Italian spa secrets. Wonders of the Uffizi and Duomo are a stroll away. Tuscan hill towns beckon. 93% of TripAdvisor reviewers recommend this hotel |
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Long considered the city’s finest hotel, five-star Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon reflects the nobility and charm of historic Portugal, and offers vistas of Eduardo VII Park, St. George’s Moorish castle, the Old Town and the Tagus River from atop one of Lisbon’s seven hills. 93% of TripAdvisor reviewers recommend this hotel |
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Four Seasons Hotel Paris (George V) Steps from the Champs-Elysées, with private terraces that command all Paris; 18th-century tapestries, lovingly restored; and a spirit that lives on in thoroughly reborn, highly advanced spaces, Four Seasons George V Paris redefines luxury service in the City of Light. 93% of TripAdvisor reviewers recommend this hotel |
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Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet Created from a century-old neoclassic Turkish prison in the core of this fabled city – steps from the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Just 65 guest rooms and suites frame an open courtyard, for an atmosphere of personal attention and ease unprecedented in Istanbul. 92% of TripAdvisor reviewers recommend this hotel |
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In this fairytale city’s most desirable location – at the edge of the Vltava River, steps from the Charles Bridge – discover a remarkably quiet enclave, immersed in vibrant Old Town. Interweaving centuries of architecture with tomorrow’s technology, Four Seasons connects you to the most authentic Prague – granting rare insider access and one-of-a-kind cultural discoveries. 91% of TripAdvisor reviewers recommend this hotel |
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In the city’s most exclusive enclave, discover the perfect balance of convenience and calm. Just a short stroll from the heart of vibrant shopping and business, here you escape into a peaceful retreat, immersed in greenery. Handsome architecture evokes Irish tradition and contemporary chic. With authentic local character and unrivalled care, Four Seasons has become the favoured destination of both international travellers and Ireland’s own. 89% of TripAdvisor reviewers recommend this hotel |
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Escape to a chic five-star resort – hidden in the hills of Provence, yet close to the French Riviera. Rare spa treatments deliver genuine results, while Europe’s most advanced golf training improves your game on two year-round courses. Nearby medieval villages and Côte D’Azur beaches beckon you to explore. With cool contemporary style, all-suite comfort and award-winning cuisine, Four Seasons promises transformation and transcendence. 86% of TripAdvisor reviews recommend this hotel |
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