A World Food Marathon at the Andaz Liverpool Street London

The Andaz Liverpool Street London is getting hyped and ready for the 2012 Olympics with a World Food Marathon! We can’t think of a better way to welcome fans from all over the world than with international dishes to give folks a taste of something new or a dish to make them feel welcome and right at home. From July 2nd to the 27th, each of Andaz’s restaurants will create a different international dish, drawing inspiration from the staff members’ native countries. The 26 phenomenal dishes will lead up to the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympics, and each staff member worked with the chef to ensure that the recipe was correctly recreated. A few dishes to look forward to include a spicy pork from Korea, golabki from Poland, and Mango Pavlova from Australia. If you plan to be in town for the Olympics, definitely add a visit to the Andaz Liverpool Street London hotel to the list of things to do for a unique and exciting culinary experience!

Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2012: 45 Park Lane

Conde Nast Traveler, purveyor of fine hotel reviews and travel advice, has just released its 2012 edition of the Hot List, a list of hotels that are setting the hotel world aflame with fresh designs and new concepts, or maybe just a solid new look at classic luxury. 41 reporters embedded themselves anonymously in hotels across the globe to review their targets. What results is a list of 121 hotels around the world that are so on fire they should be put on your watch list, just in case they end up burning down.

Going through for a preliminary look of the hotels that made the Hot List, 45 Park Lane jumped out at me as the clear forerunner for our first spotlight. Always one of my favorite hotels, for I am a sucker for a nice boutique design hotel with Art Deco sensibilities, 45 Park Lane was described by the Conde Nast reviewer as "seemingly a stack of nine vintage American diners with metal fins," and that's the highest recommendation in my book. Always on the verge of but never crossing into the territory of straight camp, 45 Park Lane manages to keep its style classy while harkening back to an era of American renegade mythology, evoking the New Jersey diners that spawned Bruce Springsteen and inspired James Dean. It's culturally active and forward-thinking, and the wraparound penthouse suite is to die for. This is one hotel whose unique style really commands your attention, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a hotel in touch with the underground American scene in London.

Conde Nast Platinum Circle 2012: Chewton Glen

We've been spotlighting a list of Conde Nast's award-winning Gold List Hotels for 2012, and each one is amazing in its own right. In a clear case of never enough of a good thing, Conde Nast has yet an additional level to their awards, the meta-prestigious Platinum Circle Hotels, distinguished for being consistent Gold List winners for the last five years. Perhaps it could have been more aptly named the Conde Nast Award for Continued Excellence in the Having of Conde Nast Awards, but that's probably just my jealousy talking. It takes a certain level of cachet to be able to recognize someone for being recognized by you, and the Conde Nast Awards carry that weight. Regardless, the Platinum Circle hotels are undoubtedly some of the best of the best and have the mark of consistency that other hotels can only aspire to.

The Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012 is the eighth of their annual lists, and the hotels chosen by their team of editors and experts are the best for service, food, location, rooms, leisure facilities, ambiance and design.

The less-than-appetizingly named Chewton Glen is today's entry in our continuing exploration of the Conde Nast Platinum Circle.  Just 20 minutes from the English Channel, Chewton Glen is the epitome of classic English style. And the pinnacle of this epitome is the expansive croquet lawn that fronts the beautiful 18th century manor house. With only 59 rooms, the service at Chewton Glen is exceptionally personal and comes with the British flair for understatement that, like a nice crumpet, no afternoon tea is complete without. The 100,000 acre national forest on the edge of which the hotel sits offers miles of hiking trails and a 9-hole par three golf course and indoor/outdoor tennis courts mean you can also stay on the grounds to break a sweat. Its spa has been named the best in England, and its hydrotherapy pool is perfect for a refreshing soak. If you want all the gentlemanly sensibilities of a five-star London hotel but want to stay out of the city, Chewton Glen is the hotel for you. 

Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012: Intercontinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel

We understand that no one aims to come in second place; there is no recognition for mediocrity. We at Five Star Alliance understand better than anyone the importance of offering the most luxurious resorts in the world, so we notice what’s going on in the industry, and it matters to us, because it matters to you. We work hard to offer you the best in the industry, and we’d like to welcome you to our second blog series where we feature the best and most luxurious resorts in the world. But don’t take our word for it. These resorts have been recognized as the best in the business and have made the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012.

The Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012 is the eighth of their annual lists, and the hotels chosen by their team of editors and experts are the best for service, food, location, rooms, leisure facilities, ambiance and design.

The Intercontinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel in Kouklia, Cyprus is featured on the Gold List 2012: Best for leisure facilities. This luxury hotel is set on a hillside overlooking the Mediterranean, just 15 minutes from the Paphos Airport. The birthplace of Aphrodite, the mosaics at Paphos, and the Troodos Mountains are just a few of the attractions located within reach of the Intercontinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel. This luxury hotel has received recognition for its leisure facilities and the list of activities to partake in seems to be never-ending! Enjoy the Retreat Spa, an 18-hole golf course, a tennis academy, 3 kids clubs, a teen’s club, a horseback riding club, and indoor and outdoor pools. The beauty of this luxury hotel would leave any goddess speechless, making the Intercontinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel a truly exceptional hotel option worth exploring on your next visit to Cyprus!

Exclusive and ‘Invisible’ Art at the W Hotel Paris Opera

This swanky hotel opened up just two months ago, and it is certainly a beautiful luxury hotel in Paris worth checking out! Located in the heart of the City of Lights, the W Hotel Paris Opera is just steps from the Granier Opera House, the Rue de la Paix, and the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore. While its beautiful rooms and phenomenal location make this hotel worth visiting, the unique and exclusive art installation displayed in only one of the hotel’s suites gives the W Hotel Paris Opera pizazz. In suite 112, the work of French artist Zevs is proudly displayed but invisible to the naked eye. The artist’s dripping Louis Vuitton logos and tears streaming down portraits can only be seen with a black light, making these displays that much more fascinating. Be sure to visit this one-of-a kind hotel to experience a new kind of art display and see the best of Paris!

Check out the tweet below to view the art installation for yourself!

The infamous French artist creates an invisible installation of his dripping logos at the newest W Hotel j.mp/J5eAKB

— Hume Internationale (@humeint) April 13, 2012

A Boutique Critique: Relais Christine

I have a special place in my heart for tiny boutique hotels. It may be a little smaller than some of the other chambers, and there aren't enough spots for everybody, but that just makes the few who do make their way into my good graces all the more special. I can give each and every one the loving care and attention they deserve. And thus began my new segment on boutique hotels that I just adore. 

Today we turn our attention to the Relais Christine, a beautiful manor home in the heart of Paris.  Within easy walking distance of both the Louvre and Notre Dame, the hotel is located in the intellectual and cultural heart of Paris.  The perfect destination from which to begin your exploration of the city, Relais Christine is welcoming and distinctly Parisian.  And you can bring your favorite smaller member of the family along since canines and felines are allowed, and it's decidedly kid-friendly as well.  Explore the underground caves of Champagne Pommery's for a lovely winery tour or take a dinner cruise on the seine for one of the most romantic experiences of your life.  Relais Christine is a lovely place to sit back, relax, and take in the site's of possibly Europe's most storied city and from the comfort of a boutique hotel that keeps you secluded from the reams of tourists packing in to other, larger places to have a less unique experience.  Learn more about the Relais Christine here.

Hotel Metropole Embarks on an Odyssey: Renovations and a Mural by the Summer

The extremely talented designer Karl Lagerfeld is coming to Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo to lead the efforts of an extensive external redesign, and it's going to look great.  The centerpiece of the design: a fresco-style installation that depicts the stages of Ulysses's journey in 15 etched glass panels.  The Hotel Metropole's journey will be significantly shorter than the Odyssey, however. They hope to unveil it this very summer.

Alongside the fresco, Lagerfeld will be designing and opening a third Joel Robuchon restaurant on the premises as well as revamping the pool, terrace, and gardens.  The restaurant joins its one- and two-Michelin-star cousins, so you can expect great things from this one as well.  We're excited to see the fresh look of the hotel that won "Best Hotel in the World" at the Leading Hotels of the World convention in 2010. To see what the hotel has on offer and be prepared for the unveiling of the gorgeous outdoor areas, check out more on the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo here.

The Best Romantic Getaway Hotels: Rocco Forte Hotel de Russie in Rome, Italy

Certain hotels have a beautiful romance to them, an elegant charm that sweeps you off your feet and leaves you feeling like you’re floating on a cloud. Whether you’re planning an anniversary, a birthday, or simply hoping to have a romantic weekend with your significant other, we certainly have the perfect hotel in your city of choice. Check in with us often as we will be featuring our favorite hotels for a romantic getaway all over the world!

Our first feature is the Rocco Forte Hotel de Russie. This luxury hotel is located in the heart of Rome on the fashionable Via del Babuino, next to the Piazza del Popolo and near the Spanish Steps. This 122 bedroom property is a favorite amongst the Hollywood A list and it has gained fame for its beautiful terrace gardens. These so called “Secret Gardens” are hidden behind the building and offer guests the perfect place to enjoy each other’s company in tranquility, away from the bustle of Rome. Enjoy al fresco dining at ‘Le Jardin de Russie’ restaurant and take advantage of the hotel’s health club and spa with a hydro pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish steam bath, and much more. Make your reservations at this romantic gem in Rome and get ready for a phenomenal time with your loved one!

New Luxury Hotels Opening in 2012: Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv

We at Five Star Alliance are all about the best and most luxurious hotels. We certainly keep up with the happenings in the luxury travel world and take pride in bringing our clients the latest luxury travel news. Keep up with our newest blog series where we’ll be featuring luxury hotels opening in 2012 to stay on top of the trends and make your reservations at the newest hotspots.

The Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv has just opened in Ukraine’s capital, just in time for the Euro Cup 2012! This brand new luxury hotel is the first Fairmont in Eastern Europe, and it will mark the 4th luxury hotel in the beautiful city of Kiev. It features 248 luxurious guest rooms including Royal and Presidential suites, each beautifully decorated and equipped with magnificent amenities. Many rooms offer stunning views of the Dnipro River, and it’s located in the heart of the city center, within walking distance from the Golden Gate and the St. Sophia Cathedral. Be sure to make your reservations for this beautiful new property and experience one of the most vibrant and phenomenal cities in all of Europe!

Hotels with an Incredible View! Athens, Greece

We understand that an incredible view is of utmost importance to luxury travelers. After a day of exploring a new city, there’s nothing more enjoyable then returning to your luxurious accommodations and taking in the miraculous view before calling it a day. For others, there simply is no time to enjoy everything a city has to offer, and the only exploration one has time for is to take in the view from the hotel. We’d like to introduce you to our new blog series, which will be featuring incredible hotels with incredible views! Whatever your travel reasons or however much time you have to enjoy your trip, we hope you leave thinking wow what a view!

Our feature hotel is King George Palace in Athens, Greece. It has been distinguished as the best hotel in Greece and it has been called home by Kings, Presidents, and travelers since the 1930s. This unique boutique hotel has 102 rooms and 22 suites, each gracefully designed with classical and modern concepts in mind. King George Palace is located on Constitution Square, within steps from of the Greek Parliament and near the historical city center. The most stunning feature of this hotel is certainly the views it offers. Some of the rooms offer breathtaking views of the Acropolis, and the rooftop restaurant, the Tudor features remarkable views of the Acropolis and the city of Athens. Check out this phenomenal hotel and get to have your breath taken away!

Be sure to keep up with our blog series to discover various luxury hotels all over the world with the best views!