The Top 30 Hotels in 2012: #16 The Armani Hotel Milano

In the last month of 2012, Five Star Alliance is counting down the Top 30 Luxury Hotels and Resorts worldwide, as decided by you, our luxury travelers! Be sure to check in with us daily to keep up with our countdown and explore a few of the absolute best and most luxurious hotels in the world for your future travels!

Coming in the #18 spot is the Armani Hotel Milano which is situated in the prestigious Manzoni 31 building in Milano, Italy, anchoring the world-famous fashion district known as the Quadrilatero della Moda (the “quadrilateral of fashion”). Here are a few fun facts and features about this luxury hotel:

- The new Armani Hotel Milano is the second hotel to be launched within the Armani Hotels & Resorts project

- Giorgio Armani has created a world of harmony and privacy, with uncompromising attention to the requirements of guests

- Armani/Ristorante draws on the rich gastronomic traditions of Italy to provide you with classic and authentic culinary delights

- Armani Hotel Milano’s fitness centre features a Kinesis Wall as well as a wide range of cardiovascular equipment and modular resistance machines

- Indoor relaxation pool

- It’s only a few minutes away from the luxury shopping streets of Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga, the famous La Scala theatre and the spectacular Piazza del Duomo

Explore photos, availability, and rates at this stunning hotel here >> 

The Top 30 Hotels in 2012: #20 St Regis Grand Rome

In the last month of 2012, Five Star Alliance is counting down the Top 30 Luxury Hotels and Resorts worldwide, as decided by you, our luxury travelers! Be sure to check in with us daily to keep up with our countdown and explore a few of the absolute best and most luxurious hotels in the world for your future travels!

Coming in the #20 spot is the St Regis Grand Rome which is located in the heart of Rome, within walking distance of many historic sites including the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Via Veneto. Here are a few fun facts and features about this luxury hotel:

- 24-hour butler service ensures all needs are met quickly and effectively

- Each of the 138 guest rooms and 23 suites feature a unique identity and are exquisitely appointed in a combination of Empire, Regency and Louis XV styles

- Luxurious bath amenities and extraordinarily comfortable beds assure complete relaxation

- The hotel’s restaurant has been twice nominated as the best in Europe by Zagat

- Inspired by the traditional Asian spa concept where body, soul, and mind meet, kamiSpa, the first oriental urban spa in Europe, is now exclusively available on the fifth floor of the Hotel

- Private wine cellar attracting guests and locals alike

Explore photos, availability, and rates at the St Regis Grand Rome here >>

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Your Questions Answered: Two Bedroom Suite in Rome

We at Five Star Alliance work tirelessly to ensure we bring you the best luxury hotels selection and information regarding amenities, location, and highlights so you are confident that the hotel you choose will exceed your expectations and serve your needs. Sometimes, however, you are left with a few questions that go unanswered, and that’s why we’re here. Be sure to explore our new blog series ‘Your Questions Answered’ to find answers to real questions submitted to us by our clients regarding traveling with kids, pets, the best beach hotels, and much more.

Question: We would like to book a two bedroom suite in Rome with a balcony. Can you let us know what is available?

Answer: Hotel Splendide Royal Rome has a 2 bedroom suite located on the top floor with a large terrace overlooking Rome available starting from 1950 Euros per night. I was not able to find any two bedroom options with a balcony. To make a reservation for this room type, simply visit this website, enter your dates of travel, select the room type, and fill in the booking form. Please be advised that the rates, availability, as well as any extra person charges are subject to change depending on the hotel’s policies.

Kim Kardashian Celebrates Her Birthday in Italy in Style

Boyfriend Kanye West whisked reality TV star Kim Kardashian to Italy for a romantic 32nd birthday extravaganza. The couple stayed at the Hotel Cipriani which is located at the tip of the Giudecca Island, a quick boat ride from St. Marks Square. A few key features of the hotel we hope the couple took advantage of include a heated Olympic-sized outdoor pool, red clay tennis courts, and the romantic Casanova Spa where guests can enjoy services ranging from massages to facials.

Explore the Hotel Cipriani here!

Palazzo Sasso Gets a Makeover for the New Year!

Beginning in January 2013, the Palazzo Sasso will be renamed to its founding family’s name: Palazzo Avino. Situated on a cliff top 1,000 feet above sea level, this stunning luxury hotel overlooks the Amalfi coastline and has 43 exclusive rooms and suites. Originally built in the 12th century, the Palazzo Sasso has been transformed into an architectural masterpiece, and it’s the only hotel in Ravello that has a beach club. A few other key features include a twenty meter heated rooftop pool, ample opportunities to go wine tasting, and a state-of-the-art wellness spa.

Make your reservations at this luxury hotel today to experience the Palazzo Sasso, and be sure to come back in the New Year to take in the newly improved Palazzo Avino!

Your Questions Answered: Best Hotels in Florence

We at Five Star Alliance work tirelessly to ensure we bring you the best luxury hotels selection and information regarding amenities, location, and highlights so you are confident that the hotel you choose will exceed your expectations and serve your needs. Sometimes, however, you are left with a few questions that go unanswered, and that’s why we’re here. Be sure to explore our new blog series ‘Your Questions Answered’ to find answers to real questions submitted to us by our clients regarding traveling with kids, pets, the best beach hotels, and much more.

Question: Can you recommend one of your properties in Florence? One adult, check in November 2 and spend three or four nights. Looking for fantastic view, and prefer walking access to top sites. I've never been to Italy before.

Answer: We have 32 luxury properties in Florence, and we would suggest visiting this website and entering your dates of travel to view the hotels that have availability as well as their photos, prices, and location descriptions.

A few that we would recommend would be the Hotel Bernini Palace which is located in a historical 15th century palazzo in the heart of Florence and has rates starting from 209 Euros per night. Another hotel we'd recommend is Villa San Michele which is a 15th-century Franciscan monastery has now been transformed into one of Europe's most charming and picturesque hotels, only a few minutes from the centre of Florence. Rates start from 368 Euros per night. Please be advised that the rates and availability are subject to change prior to making a reservation.

Image of the Villa San Michele

Hotel Danieli Tops Our List of Best Canal Hotels in Venice

Overlooking Riva degli Shiavoni, a short walk from Piazza San Marco and St. Mark's Basilica, the Hotel Danieli perfectly captures the beauty and romance of Venice. The hotel consists of three unique interconnecting palaces whose refined interiors create a pleasant ambiance that offers visitors the best in modern comfort and luxury. The main building, the Dandolo Palace, is a gothic landmark featuring pink marble, stained glass, gold leaf decorated ceilings, and stunning chandeliers. The restaurant Terrazza Danieli is on the top floor of the Danielino building and offers breath-taking views of the lagoon and panoramic views of Venice. With a water bus stop located right in front of the hotel, a side entrance for water taxis, and a central location in Venice within walking distance of major attractions, the Hotel Danieli is considered to be one of the top luxury canal hotels in the city!

Explore Hotel Danieli photos, descriptions, availability, and nightly rate breakdowns here >>

Be In the Know, Now: New Armani and Bulgari Hotels

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 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.

Back in April 2010, the first Armani Hotel made its debut in Dubai, and then another one popped up in Milan. We hear the next city to get an Armani upgrade is Paris and that we should expect at least eight more hotels from this designer/hotelier. (Photo of the Armani Hotel Milano)

Another hotel brand to watch is Bulgari, with a luxury hotel in Milan and another one that had its grand opening in London just in time for the Olympics. We certainly admire the elegant and contemporary design of the Bulgari hotels, and we recommend folks who appreciate a sleek design and a modern feel to check them out. (Photo of the Bulgari Hotel and Residences)

Explore these hip and trendy hotel options, and let us know what you think!

Hotel Castello di Casole Now Open!

We are thrilled to announce that the Hotel Castello di Casole in Siena, Italy is now open and accepting reservations! This luxurious, 5-star property in Tuscany is the centerpiece of a stunning and historic 4,200-acre estate. Commanding the highest point on the property, this restored castle dates back to the 10th century. While it underwent extensive renovations, the Hotel Castello di Casole has preserved its original and historic culture. This boutique hotel offers impeccable suites, world-class service and amenities, and breathtaking Tuscan countryside views. Take advantage of the fine and casual dining opportunities available on site, the luxurious spa, pool, and fitness center, and the various adventures made available to guests varying by the seasons. Make your reservations today and experience this incredible and romantic Italian property for yourself!

Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012: Villa San Michele

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 Villa San Michele is featured on the Gold List 2012: Best for service. This luxury hotel was a 15th century monastery which was converted into one of Europe’s most charming luxury hotels. Its located only a few minutes from the center of Florence, and it is surrounded by its own gardens and woodlands of the Fiesole hills. The Villa San Michele goes above and beyond to ensure that its guests are comfortable and have everything they need for a lavish and enjoyable stay.

Check rates, availability, photos and more at the Villa San Michele here!