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LUXURY HOTEL INSIDER
 
FSA LogoThe Luxury Hotel Insider: Exclusive luxury hotel deals, features and special rates from the luxury hotel experts at Five Star Alliance. 
 
Named one of Tripbase's Best Luxury Travel Blogs for 2011, below are Five Star Alliance's newest articles featuring exclusive information on luxury hotels worldwide including special offers and deals at the world's best hotels.

Autumn in Rome: Shopping, Spa, and Foodie Delights at the Hotel Hassler

September 30, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

The Hotel Hassler, RomeAutumn could be the best time to visit the Eternal City, when the summer crowds have dispersed and Rome is yours for the taking. Immerse yourself in the fall colors (not to mention fashion!) and experience a stay at the Hassler Roma, the legendary hotel perched atop the Spanish Steps in the heart of the historic city center. The hotel of choice for visiting stars, The Hassler is just minutes away from Rome's top shopping venues and important landmarks (like the Pantheon and Coliseum). The "Autumn in Rome" package is the ultimate pampering experience. Here's what's included: • 3 nights in a room of your choice • Daily buffet breakfast at the elegant Salone Eva • 2 massages at the Amorvero SPA (1 per person, per stay) • Relaxing tea at the Amorvero SPA after the massage • Light lunch for 2 in the Salone Eva (starter, first course & home-made dessert, drinks excl.) Validity dates: November 1 – December 22, 2010. Limited availability! “Autumn in Rome ” package rates are euro 1,350 for a Deluxe Double / twin room and euro 1,530 for a Grand Deluxe Double / twin room. Rates are for a 3-night stay, per room. Cancellation deadline is 4 days prior to arrival in order to not incur a 50% penalty charge.


Get in the Yuletide Spirit at the Snow Bar at Hilton Arc de Triomphe Paris

September 28, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

Hilton Arc de Triomphe Paris, Snow BarTalk about a winter wonderland! Every year the Hilton Arc de Triomphe transforms its Andalusian Patio-- one of the largest open-air hotel gardens in the City of Light and a true haven of calm-- into an outdoor Snow Bar. Decked out with snow-covered Christmas trees and a chalet bar, the Snow Bar is a sight to behold. Get in the Christmas spirit with winter warmers and palate-thrilling canapés served by cocktail waitresses dressed in Santa outfits. Starting December 2, 2010 and running through the end of the year, this seasonal bar promises to be the place to be for holiday happy hours.

Hilton Arc de Triomphe Paris, Snow BarCheck into the hotel and you'll dig the nautically-inspired Art Deco design scheme by acclaimed architects Jacques Garcia and Alexandre Danan. Reminiscent of a transatlantic liner with custom-designed furniture, this is no run-of-the-mill chain hotel. Also on tap: a fitness center, the beautiful Spa Mosaic offering treatments by Carita, and Executive Lounge where free snacks and refreshments are served with views over the Paris rooftops.


Polo Fields and Spa Treatments by Dr. Alkaitis: Coworth Park Debuts Today in the UK

September 27, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

Coworth ParkWe've been waiting with bated breath and now the moment's arrived: Coworth Park opened its doors today on the border of Windsor Great Park in the English countryside. Just 45 minutes from central London, the 70-room estate is the first luxury country house hotel from the Dorchester Collection. We can barely contain our excitement about the luxe offerings: three restaurants overseen by Michelin-starred Chef John Campbell; a contemporary design that enhances the Georgian charm of the original Coworth Park's manor house; an equestrian center; sunken gardens and polo fields; a carbon neutral spa that's the first in the world to offer treatments by Dr. Alkaitis, renowned for his 100% organic, paraben free ingredients. This is the year to celebrate the yuletide season in Merry Ole England!


Now Open: The Spa at the Grand Hotel Kempinski Geneva

September 27, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

Grand Hotel Kempinski GenevaLast Tuesday, September 21, the Grand Hotel Kempinski Geneva hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Geneva's former mayor for the grand opening of the hotel spa. Lucky guests were privy to an inside look at the 1400 square meter spa, patio, and pool area. le SPA is not associated with any spa brand in particular, but it benefits from the expertise of the renowned "Cinq Mondes" label with exclusive treatments and cosmetic products. The destination spa aims to bring the flavors of the world to Geneva with Asian-inspired ceremonial massages and Japanese "KO BI DO" facials. Keen to check out the luxurious new space? Book the "Luxury Weekend Spa Package" and you'll get three hours of wellness and beautifying treatments included with your swanky accommodations. Start with a detoxifying or slimming bath, then try the succulent Papaya Body Polish, followed by the indulgent Balinese Massage plus Hands or Feet Care Massage. Daily buffet breakfast and chocolate in-room amenity also included. Minimum two-night stay required.


Stay the Weekend at London’s Hotel 41 and Get Fun Freebies

September 22, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

Hotel 41, LondonLooking to explore London? A stay at Hotel 41-- the luxurious boutique hotel that resembles a traditional London club-- puts you right in the heart of the British capital. Directly opposite the Royal Mews and just behind Buckingham Palace, just about as close to the Royal Family as a visitor can get, 41 is an intimate hideaway with much of the best of London on its doorstep. Stay a minimum of two nights over a weekend at 41 and you're in luck. The hotel has a special offer that doles out value-added extras. Not only will you get full English breakfast included with your stay, but you'll also get your choice of one of the following:

* Bottle of Laurent Perrier in your room on arrival

*Champagne Afternoon Tea for two

*Romantic Turndown including chocolate-dipped strawberries, rose petals, candles and massage oils

*Three-course Table d'Hôte dinner for two in the Library restaurant

*Late checkout until 6pm!

When you book a suite, you get two of the options listed above. Valid until December 31, 2010. Prices start from £239 per night (excl. VAT) based on two adults sharing an Executive Double room.


Sightseeing in Athens with the King George Palace

September 20, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

King George PalaceA prime city-center location is just one of the reasons the King George Palace is the place to stay in Athens. Situated on Constitution Square in the heart of Athens, the luxury hotel is within steps of the Greek Parliament. (Check out the views of the Acropolis from the gourmet restaurant on the 7th floor!) The hotel of choice for visiting royalty and presidents since 1936, this opulent landmark combines contemporary technology with old-school glamor. This is the ideal base for exploring Athens, so the hotel has put together a sightseeing package, valid until the end of the year for a two-night minimum stay. Get tickets for a City Sightseeing bus tour and buffet breakfast with your luxe accommodations in a Classical Double room. Rates from 260€. Note: All guestrooms have free Wi-Fi internet access.


Christmas in Paris at the Pavillon de la Reine

September 20, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

Carita Spa at Le Pavillon de la ReineThere's a reason why Le Pavillon de la Reine has so many repeat guests. Tucked away in a flowering courtyard off the Place des Vosges, the oldest public square in Paris, Le Pavillon is the only luxury hotel of its caliber in the historic Marais district of Paris. What's more- Le Pavillon offers impeccable service along with its discreet address. It's little wonder that Jean-Paul Gaultier camped out in the Victor Hugo Suite when his house was under construction. Recently renovated, the hotel now offers a beautiful Carita Spa on the lower level (pictured). Spend your holiday vacation in the City of Lights and enjoy a special offer at Le Pavillon de la Reine. The Christmas package includes full breakfast in our lounge or in your room, a little Christmas tree in your room, a half bottle of champagne upon your arrival, free parking, and free access to the Carita Spa, fitness room, Jacuzzi, and hammam. Starting from 350 Euros per night per room in a Superior room for a minimum stay of two nights. Available from November 29th to December 27th, 2010 upon availability.


Discover the Isle of Cyprus: Free Upgrade and Internet at Le Meridien Limassol Spa and Resort

September 15, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

Le Meridien Limassol Spa and Resort, CyprusOne of the best times to visit the captivating Mediterranean isle of Cyprus is October. Days are filled with sunshine-- not scorching hot-- and evenings are cooler. Discover a crystal-clear turquoise sea, the shore's white rocks illuminated in the light, fragrant with blossoms and forest. A beautiful place, indeed. After all, it's said that "the goddess Aphrodite first stepped ashore on the exquisite island that is Cyprus, blessing it forever with her love and grace." Stay in five-star luxury at Le Méridien Limassol Spa & Resort, smack dab on the beach with close proximity to the Amathus archeological site. Nestled in sprawling landscaped gardens, this destination resort offers chic guest rooms with views over the waves or the rolling hills, a range of dining options, unrivalled children’s facilities including Penguin Village and Leisure Land, and Le Spa, the only indoor and outdoor thalassotherapy spa in Europe, featuring mosaic-tiled seawater pools and waterfalls. Le Meridien Limassol Spa and Resort, CyprusStay at the only five-star international branded hotel in Limassol with two special offers. When booked 14 days in advance (for stays through October 31, 2010), the "Early Bird" offer provides discounted rates, a free upgrade and Internet, along with a daily signature breakfast, and 4 pm late check-out. Another alluring offer lets you pay the "Bed & Breakfast" rates, but get "Half Board" (lunch or dinner each day during your stay, along with breakfast) with special discounted rates. Both offers are subject to availability and valid for a minimum 5-night stay.


Hot in Paris: See the Blockbuster Art Exhibition of the Year, Claude Monet at the Grand Palais

September 15, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

Hotel de Crillon

Heading to Paris in the next few months? Don't miss the Claude Monet exhibition at the Grand Palais, the "biggest the world has ever seen," opening next week. The most famous father of Impressionism is being honored in a big way; 200 of his paintings will be displayed to show Monet's artistic development over the 60 years he painted-- including still-lifes (like "Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe") and the large-scale waterlilies painted in his garden at Giverny. It's already sold 38,000 tickets and promises to outsell the huge Picasso exhibition showcased earlier this year. Stay in style at the Hotel de Crillon (pictured)-- the gorgeous palace on the famous Place De La Concorde-- and take advantage of a special offer promoted by Concorde Hotels & Resorts. A special "Monet Exhibition Package" is available at the company's six Parisian hotels, including the Crillon, Hotel Lutetia, Hotel du Louvre, Hotel Concorde La Fayette, Concorde Opéra Paris, and Hotel Concorde Montparnasse. Starting from $245 per night, the package includes two priority tickets for the exhibition, accommodations for two, early check-in (helpful after those red-eye flights from the U.S!), late check-out, and buffet breakfast for two daily.


Truffle Hunting, Wine Tasting, and Cooking Classes in Provence with Hotel Crillon le Brave

September 13, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

Hotel Crillon Le BraveCulinary enthusiasts, what could be better than cooking classes in Provence? Explore the countryside, sniffing out culinary delights by truffle hunting, tasting wines at local vineyards, and visiting village markets for seasonal produce. Then head back to the kitchen for hands-on demos with a talented chef. The chic Hotel Crillon le Brave is offering an all-inclusive cooking program package for two weeks in October which combines culture and the best Provençal cuisine. Each program has a maximum of 8 participants and you'll cook in pairs, preparing all dishes in a complete menu every day, under the guidance of the hotel's chef and his sous chef. The package includes luxurious accommodations for six nights, excursions in the countryside, and all meals and wine, including dinners at well-known local restos. The cost is 2900 euros per person in double occupancy. (Want to bring a kitchen-averse friend? Pay 1400 euros for a non-cooking companion who can share in all the events and meals outside of the cooking classes.) The program dates are Sunday, October 10– Saturday, October 16; Sunday, October 17- Saturday, October 23, 2010.