The Luxury Hotel Insider: Exclusive luxury hotel deals, features and special rates from the luxury hotel experts at Five Star Alliance. Image of the Day: Hotel Monte Rosa
December 6, 2012
By: K. Clare Johnson
Hotel Monte Rosa looks cozy and ready for the Zermatt ski season.
By: K. Clare Johnson
Top 30 Hotels in 2012 Honorable Mention: Hotel de Paris
December 6, 2012
By: K. Clare Johnson
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! But there were a few more hotels we absolutely had to mention. 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!
Despite the name Hotel De Paris can't be found in the City of Lights. Situated in the very heart of Monte-Carlo on the famous Place du Casino, the Hotel de Paris has been making guests happy since 1864. The hotel was ranked amongst the 10 best hotels in France and Monaco in 2012 by Conde Nast readers for the 25th Conde Nast Annual Readers Choice Awards. There are 182 rooms, 80 suites, three restaurants, and it offers direct access to Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo's hamman. ts wine cellars are among the finest in the world, a prestigious home to almost 600,000 bottles and a treasure trove in itself.
Explore photos, availability, and rates at Hotel De Paris>>
By: K. Clare Johnson
Gotham City Getaways
July 20, 2012
By: Oksana Balytsky
With the much anticipated premiere of Christopher Nolan’s third and final Batman movie, The Dark Knight Rises, we certainly want to go beyond just seeing the films. For all of the Batman aficionados who hope to experience some of the scenes first hand, we bring you the numerous faces of Gotham City.
The Dark Knight had scenes shot in Chicago, Hong Kong, and London. The opening robbery of ‘Gotham National Bank’ by the Joker takes place at the Old Chicago Post Office, the offices of Harvey Dent and the boardroom of Wayne Enterprises are in the IBM Building in Chicago, and the restaurant where Bruce Wayne crashes Rachel’s and Harvey’s date is the Criterion Restaurant in London. The theater where Harvey attempts to take Rachel to see the ballet is the Chicago Theater on 175 North State St, and the meeting with the crooked financial tycoon is held in Hong Kong’s IFC2, the tallest building in the city. The views over the Chicago River from Bruce Wayne’s penthouse are actually taken from the 39th floor of the 71 Hotel, which is also where the bedroom of Wayne’s penthouse was filmed.
Want more? Check out the other pieces of Gotham City here!
Hoping to view all of these movie destinations in person? Make your reservations for London, Chicago, and Hong Kong here!
Photo of the 71 Hotel exterior
By: Oksana Balytsky
The Villas of Villa d'Este in Lake Como: Villa Malakoff
July 6, 2012
By: Five Star Alliance
Villa d'Este, the classic and opulent hotel overlooking Lake Como, is a former 16th century princely residence turned resort destination. In addition to the 152 guest rooms, the luxury hotel offers two magnificently renovated 19th Century villas within the 25-acre park. Villa Malakoff and Villa Cima are available for short term tenancies with amenities ranging from housekeeping to full hotel service. (Click the image at right to view a larger format.)
Guests are able to use all of the facilities and amenities of the hotel, while maintaining the privacy and exclusivity that their own private villa can offer.
Villa Malakoff
Built in 1860, the Villa takes its name from one of the fortresses around Sebastopol, conquered by the French General MacMahon. Standing on a small hill within the grounds of Villa d’Este, it offers splendid views of Lake Como and is where you will feel most at home. Its rooms are distributed over 3 floors and offer 300 square metres of living space (3200 sq. ft.).
The rooms are tastefully and luxuriously appointed, and the warm tones and informal ambience of this grand yet hospitable residence will immediately put you at ease.
A stay at the Villa Malakoff is truly the best of both worlds: a private home where you can enjoy discretion and privacy, yet one provided with all the amenities and creature comforts offered by the world class service of a Villa d’Este Group property. A stay at Villa Malakoff is truly a gift to yourself, a once in a lifetime experience.
More images of Villa Malakoff here>>
Read more about the second private villa at Villa d'Este - Villa Cima here >>
View availability, rates and make reservations at Villa d'Este here >>
The Villas of Villa d'Este in Lake Como: Villa Cima
July 6, 2012
By: Five Star Alliance
Villa d'Este, the classic and opulent hotel overlooking Lake Como, is a former 16th century princely residence turned resort destination. In addition to the 152 guest rooms, the luxury hotel offers two magnificently renovated 19th Century villas within the 25-acre park. Villa Malakoff and Villa Cima are available for short term tenancies with amenities ranging from housekeeping to full hotel service. (Click the image at right to view a larger format.)
Guests are able to use all of the facilities and amenities of the hotel, while maintaining the privacy and exclusivity that their own private villa can offer.
Villa Cima
Standing on the banks of the Lake, this Villa was built on the grounds of Villa d’Este in 1814 by Caroline of Brunswick, Princess of Wales and future Queen of England, to house Count and Countess Pino, the Villa’s former proprietors.
The accommodations in this stately 650-square-metre (7,000 sq. ft.) residence are distributed over three floors. Luxurious décor is the keynote in the living room, dining room, sleeping quarters, and in the spacious, luminous kitchen.
No two rooms are exactly alike and each is filled with antiques and art. The views from the Villa’s spectacular windows are simply breathtaking and frame memories that will stay with you for a lifetime. Many subtle touches, the utmost discretion, and impeccable service are the hallmarks of the Villa d’Este Hotels.
More images of Villa Cima here>>
Read more about the second private villa at Villa d'Este - Villa Malakoff here >>
View availability, rates and make reservations at Villa d'Este here >>
Corinthia Hotel London's Summer Hotspot
June 21, 2012
By: Five Star Alliance
The Corinthia Hotel London, in Whitehall Place and just moments from Trafalgar Square, Westminster and Covent Garden, yet close to Mayfair and The City’s Square Mile, has opened its interior courtyard for the summer as a top spot for outdoor eating and drinking in London. The inner courtyard is ideal for Afternoon Tea al fresco and also boasts an impressive cigar list and best of all the courtyard features fireplaces at either end for when the evenings turn chilly.
From our sister publication Luxury Travel Advisor: "The Courtyard has a full cocktail list including the Bloom Clover Club made with chamomile tincture and raspberry purée, the exotic rum-based Planters Punch and the sophisticated Vesper Martini. Cigars and other liqueurs are also available.
The traditional British afternoon tea can be taken in the Courtyard. Guests can sample sweet treats created by pastry chef Claire Clark and sandwiches created by Executive Head Chef Garry Hollihead. A special selection of teas from the bespoke Tea Palace menu are available, or guests can also unwind with a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne."
Question: Best Luxury Hotel near Tours for Families
June 20, 2012
By: Five Star Alliance
Earlier today Five Star Alliance recived the following question from one of our clients:
My husband and I are traveling with our 15 year old niece for 2 nights in August. I'm looking for a suite that will accommodate all 3 of us, but with privacy for us as well. We may need two rooms instead of one suite. If there are chateaux hotels available near Tours, that would be lovely. Thank you for your asssistance.
We did some research, especially when it comes to Tours - known for its wines, the battle of Tours in 732, and the Paris-Tours cycling race, then reviewed our properties and came back with the following suggestions:
Chateau D'Artigny is in Montbazon, about 20 minutes South of the center of Tours. The Chateau offers the following for 2 adults and 1 teenager, or 3 adults:
JUNIOR SUITE GUEST BEDROOM - The Luxurious Junior Suites and duplex are spacious, located in main chateau, Ariane Pavilion or Fragrance House overlooking the Chateau, gardens, park or woods. Sofa bed possible for children under 12. Flat screen, Air conditioning. Sleeps up to 2 adults (or up to 3 adults with extra bed).
Located at right is the Chateau d'Artigny Junior Suite Duplex in the Ariane Pavilion.
Currently rates for August 4, 2012 for 2 nights are starting at EUR 520 per night for 2 adults. However rates are being pulled live from the system, and are subject to change based on availability.
Chateau d'Esclimont is located in Ile, about 2 hours north of Tours. The Chateau offers 2 different room types to accommodate you, your husband your neice.
JUNIOR SUITE GUEST BEDROOM - Single floor or duplex, very spacious, comfortable and tastefully decorated. Junior suites consist of one bedroom and a private lounge with sofa bed. The bathroom has a shower and a separate bath. Fitted with, Wifi access, minibar, 42 square metres. Sleeps up to 2 adults (or 3 adults/2adults 1 child with extra bed).
Currently rates for August 4, 2012 for 2 nights are starting at EUR 545 per night for 2 adults. As mentioned before, rates are being pulled live from the system, and are subject to change based on availability.
EXCLUSIVE SUITE PARK AND POND VIEW - With its beautiful high ceiling, fireplace, stylish furniture and huge four poster bed, the Exclusive Suite emanates a true fairytale castle atmosphere (pictured at right). Overlooking the pond and the protected park. It has a delightful private lounge with sofa bed and a splendid black marble bathroom with separate shower and bath. Minibar, free wifi access. 80 square metres. Sleeps up to 2 adults (or up to 4 adults with extra bed).
Currently rates for August 4, 2 nights, are starting at EUR 895 per night for 2 adults. And again, rates are being pulled live from the system, and are subject to change based on availability.
Domaine Des Hauts De Loire is 45 minutes NorthEast of Tours and offers 11 Carriage House Apartments. This Relais & Chateaux hotel is an old hunting lodge located along the Wine Route in Loir-et-Cher.
The apartments (pictured at right) are located 30 meters from the main house and feature a sitting area, bathroom, mini bar, safe, wireless internet, tv, telephone, air conditioning and the option for an additional bed for a fee. They are between 50 and 60 sqm. These apartments are currently shows at EUR 480 per night for 2 nights on August 4th.
Do you have other suggestions for 3 adults or a family near Tours, France? Let us know >>
Question: Best Luxury London Hotel for 3 Adults in Soho?
June 18, 2012
By: Five Star Alliance
Five Star Alliance's client service team recently received the following question from a client:
We did some research and this was our suggestion:
One option would be the individually designed Deluxe Double Room (approx. 46sqm or 495sqf) which offers one king bed. The room is equipped with writing desk, a small sitting area, LCD television, DVD, high speed wireless internet access, modem and fax points, two line telephones with voice mail, personal electronic safe and a fully stocked mini bar. The bathrooms are luxuriously designed in granite, oak and glass with exclusive bath products by London perfumer Miller Harris all have separate showers and rooms on the fifth floor have private terrace. 1 rollaway allowed. Sleeps 3.
The Luxury Junior Suites (approx. 48sqm or 517sqf) & Deluxe Junior Suites (approx. 51sqm or 549sqf) offer one super king size bed and a separate sitting area with a sofa bed. The suite is equipped with writing desk, sitting area, LCD television, DVD, high speed wireless internet access, modem and fax points, two line telephones with voice mail, personal electronic safe and a fully stocked mini bar. The bathrooms are luxuriously designed in granite with separate walk-in shower, oak and glass with exclusive bath products by London perfumer Miller Harris. 1 rollaway allowed. Sleeps 3.
Spectacular and spacious, the 5th floor Soho Suite with 145sqm or 1561sqf offers a completely separate living room and bedroom. Each room has a private terrace with views over London. Large on-suite bathroom featuring a bath, separate double shower and flat screen TV set in the wall. There is a separate powder room as well. Sleeps 3.
Lastly, the Terrace Suite (pictured at right) on the fifth floor is 250sqm or 2691sqf and has a separate living room with bar and large bedroom. There are wrap around terraces with views stretching far and wide. The bathroom has an oversized walkin shower, large central bath and flat screen TV. The suite also connects to an adjoining Penthouse Suite. Sleeps 4.
Check Rates & Availability at http://www.fivestaralliance.com/luxury-hotels/london/the-soho-hotel-london >>
Do you have other suggestions for 3 adults in a luxury hotel near Soho in London? Let us know >>
Top 10 Beach Resorts in the World
April 13, 2011
By: Five Star Alliance
We admit it. We're suckers for a good Top 10 List. (And who isn't?) So when the Toronto Sun recently published their list of the "World's Top Beachfront Hotels," we ate it up. They single out the following:
- Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel, California;
- Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;
- Anastasis Apartments in Santorini, Greece;
- Baboona Beachfront Living in Pattaya, Thailand;
- Half Moon in Rose Hall, Jamaica;
- Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria in Sorrento, Italy;
- The Ritz Carlton in Cancun, Mexico;
- Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino, B.C;
- Gansevoort Miami Beach in Florida;
- and Halekulani in Honolulu, Hawaii (pictured at left).
But where's Peter Island? And those swanky resorts in the Maldives? Or the celeb-mobbed hot spots on St. Barths?
Summer in Paris: The Barbie and Hot Wheels Rooms at Hotel Plaza Athénée
April 12, 2011
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
It's back. A little girl's fantasy come true: a pink bedroom decked out with Barbie furniture, heart-patterned curtains, accessories, and all kinds of fun wall art. Last summer the Hôtel Plaza Athénée got dolled up for their pint-sized guests, and this year they're rolling out the limited-time fantasy rooms again for the month of August. And this time there's a Hot Wheels-themed room, too, equipped with a car-shaped bed, flame-motif mirrors, and a Hot Wheels race track with all kinds of surprises. Little princesses can choose between two Barbie styles: "Modern Princess" or "Fashion Icon" (for the slighter older crowd). Start planning your summer vacation and get a special offer for a room or suite of your own connecting with the Barbie Room or Hot Wheels Room at Hôtel Plaza Athénée: Deluxe Parental Room from €1700; Deluxe Parental Suite from €2800, with continental breakfast for children and parents included. Offer valid August 2-30, 2011. Barbie and Hot Wheels Rooms not suitable for children under 3 or teenagers over 16.
