RECENT HOTEL REVIEWS

Lebua, Bangkok

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•  Burge Al Arab, Dubai

•  Lebua, Bangkok

  1. Shangri-La Dubai

  2. Westin Palace, Madrid

  3. El Convento, San Juan  

  4. Beacon Hotel, New York City

  5. Mandarin Oriental Singapore

Burj Al Arab

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Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts are regarded as among the most luxurious and innovative in the world and have won numerous international travel and tourism awards. The company was founded in 1997 with the aim to become a hospitality industry leader through establishing a world class portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts. Building on this success, in 2004 Jumeirah Group became a member of Dubai Holding - a collection of leading Dubai-based businesses and projects - in line with a new phase of growth and development for the Group.

My wife and I decided to break up our flight from Europe with a couple of nights at the Burj Al Arab, part of the Jumeirah Group, rated as the World’s only 7 star hotel. This top of the line hotel appears to be full most of the time, proving there is demand for super luxury, whatever the price. 


On arrival we were escorted to our two storey suite by an elegant Supervisor who took care of all the check in requirements in our fully equipped office in our suite. We were introduced to our butler, who offered to unpack our bags - what a great start. We climbed the stairs to our enormous bedroom that had floor to ceiling glass walls overlooking Dubai and the Gulf.


Words can hardly describe the opulence and comfort of this suite, the only problem was it was so outstanding we hardly left the room, sorry suite.


The property has many restaurants serving a wide variety of food and rare wines. We ate one night in the fusion Asian buffet (around $100 pp) excluding beverages.  Although a buffet, many dishes were cooked to order and naturally the service was 7 star.


I believe that staying at a fine hotel can make a vacation even more memorable.  Often long after I have forgotten the local sights, I still remember outstanding hotels and meals that usually are out of the ordinary.


Staying at Burj Al Arab is an experience I will long remember. Price deals can be found online from around $2000 per night. Iss it worth it? I will be talking about this hotel for a long time to come....


Exclusive Offers - Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah


PHOTOS JOHN POND ©

 

lebua at State Tower

lebua at State Tower is Bangkok's finest 5 star all suite hotel. With an undying passion to innovate and redefine hospitality at luxury city hotels in Thailand, lebua is more than a destination; it is a world-class experience. Enjoy the most opulent experiences at lebua at State Tower, Bangkok.

lebua at State Tower is an all-suite hotel where every one of our 137 suites are designed to offer you breathtaking vistas of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya river. Ranging between 66-266 square metres in area, each suite is reputed to be the most spacious in its category in the city.

One bedroom suite sizes start from 66 square metres and range to 186 square metres for two bedroom and 266 square metres for three bedrooms. All guest suites are priced competitively against more traditional sized rooms in five star hotels and offer high speed broadband internet access. All suites provide a lounge and bedroom area, two large screen televisions.

The perfect blend of luxury, convenience, technology and stunning views elevate every suite to an indulgence for your senses. Food from Conde Nast Traveler-awarded "The Dome" stirs in a special flavour of its own through an extraordinary choice of different cuisines. Beyond a stay, whether it is a gala celebration, business presentation, board meeting or banquet, we also offer you ways to make your functions and conferences simply exceptional here at lebua! When it comes to luxury city hotels in Thailand, come to lebua.

REVIEW: Sandra and I were whisked from the airport to the Hotel in the hotel's limo. We ate breakfast and all dinners at the hotel, quite honestly, we did not want to leave the hotel, it had so much to offer. The best breakfast treats, several award winning restaurants. The best views overlooking the city ever. Facilities such as a full kitchenand laundry, everything the traveller could desire. Large balconies, this is one hotel I can’t wait to return to. 

A great place to stay to break up any European flight or just for a vacation. A juice bar for breakfast, you pick from fresh whole fruit, and your custom juice order appears in seconds, also there are 5 cooks making made to order eggs, no waiting, Without a doubt Lebua is a real winner. 

This award-winning Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, is a luxury hotel that offers luxurious accommodations, exceptional dining and gracious hospitality in the heart of one of the world's most dynamic cities.

John & Sandra’s REVIEW: Outstanding in every way.  A few minutes from the airport and just across the road from one of the 2 major malls, this hotel has everything

Being on a “Club Floor” offers additional advantages. 

As I fly Emirates very often and as Dubai is their hub, I endeavor to stop off their to break up long flights.

Dubai has many fine hotels and this is one of the best.  Looking forward to returning soon.




Shangri-La Dubai

Westin, Madrid

Treat yourself royally

Built by order of King Alfonso XIII in 1912, The Westin Palace, Madrid was recently restored to its original splendor. Situated near the Prado museum, historic monuments and some of the best tapas restaurants in town, It is listed in the Condé Nast Traveler "Gold List 2010" as one of the best hotels in Spain.

The magnificent building, highlighted by an enormous stained glass dome, has been a centre of spanish society for almost 100 years. The 467 guest rooms and suites are decorated and furnished with stunning marble, precious fabrics and updated with every modern convenience.

The Westin Palace is located in the cultural and financial heart of the city, situated in the very center of the "Art Triangle" between the Prado, Thyssen & Reina Sofia museums. Across the road from the Parliament and within walking distance from the Royal Palace and the Opera House, The Westin Palace enjoys a privileged and unique location.

Arts & Culture

  1. Prado Museum  0.1 km/0.1 miles

  2. Thyssen Museum  0.1 km/0.1 miles

  3. Palacio Real, (Royal Palace)  4.8 km/3.0 miles

  4. La Granja - Palace and Historical City  72.4 km/45.0 mil

Hotel El Convento

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Located in the heart of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.

A few minutes from the cruise ship piers.

Within walking distance of world-class museums, historic landmarks, and vibrant nightlife.

Only 15 minutes from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport 5 miles from El Yunque Rain Forest.


Named the only "Small Luxury Hotel" in Puerto Rico.

Daily Manager's Reception, serving a variety of wine and hors d'ouevres on La Veranda Terrace

Hotel Beacon, New York City

Welcome to the Hotel Beacon NYC, a haven of comfort amid the bustling excitement of New York City. Located on the historic Upper West Side, amid tree-lined streets and landmark buildings, the hotel is a beacon for relaxation.

 

Friendly and accommodating, they offer handsomely decorated, oversized guestrooms and suites. With wonderful views of Central Park, the Hudson River and Midtown Manhattan, the Beacon is the perfect vantage point from which to venture anywhere in New York. And when your busy day is done, you'll have a perfect place to come home to.



The Hotel Beacon NYC is the official hotel of the Beacon Theatre situated next door.

Next door is also a great New York deli, where we ate several times.


I love this hotel, in fact I plan to stay there a week on my next visit.  Every NY attraction is minutes away by bus or train. The apartment like suites make one feel at home and the market opposite offers every food delight.  Although I have stayed at some of the best hotels in the world, this one is a winner for comfort and really feeling at home, but with all the delights of New York at hand.


Hotel Beacon gets my highest rating for overall satisfaction, with virtually every service at the doorstep.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL HOTEL

Singapore


WE STAYED IN A CLUB FLOOR ROOM

Arriving at the entrance of any luxury 5 star hotel always makes my heart beat a bit faster, but on a recent visit to Singapore, I must admit my heart started to race on entering the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Whenever I see a hotel offering Club Floor Rooms, I always book that option.  I have found from experience that the benefits and extras offered to guests booking these rooms far outweigh the slightly extra tariff.

On entering the lobby as we were booked into a club floor room, we were shown straight to our room, where all the check in formalities were taken care of, while we were offered a cup of hot green tea.  The entire process taking only minutes.  We then enjoyed relaxing in our elegant room that overlooked Marina Bay.  The floor to ceiling wall of glass gave us uninterrupted views.  It was not until evening, when all the adjacent tall buildings were aglow, that the full impact of the view came to the fore.

A major benefit of staying in a Club Floor Room is access to the Club Lounge.  These lounges are a haven, where guests are offered complimentary breakfast plus evening cocktails and canapes.  During the day complimentary refreshments are available.  

The only disadvantage to being on Club Floors is that the lounges are so comfortable and offer so many goodies that one does not want to leave the hotel. Located at Marina Bay, the hotel is close to many attractions and shopping precincts, yet away from the hustle and bustle.

Mandarin Oriental, Singapore

  1. 15 Raffles Avenue, Marina Square, Singapore 039797

  2. 2Telephone: +65 6338 0066

  3. 3Facsimile: +65 6339 9537

  4. 4Email: mosin@mohg.com

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