In 2018, I was lucky enough to have had the chance to travel a lot. I discovered more than 121 different cities in 16 countries and checked into more than 25 hotels around the world. Each hotel was a unique experience and a step forward to learning more about the culture of every city I have visited. From London to New York, Dubai and San Francisco, 2018 was a hectic year filled with excitement and learning. Check below my favorite hotel stays in 2018.
Le Sofitel Strasbourg: A Great Location, Pleasant Rooms, and Tasty Breakfast
At walking distance from the heart of Strasbourg, meters away from the main place and the cathedral, the Sofitel is your perfect choice for a week around the "capital of Christmas." Staying in Alsace for two days, Le Sofitel was an obvious choice, and I enjoyed it.
Fauchon L’Hotel: A Luxurious Boutique Hôtel in the Heart of Paris
Fauchon, the famous pastry, a reference in eclair and macarons making among other unique delicacies and chocolates, has opened its first hotel. Part of the Leading Hotels of the World, Fauchon takes you on a journey of style and art with a touch of luxury, professionalism, and style. The attention to details, welcoming, drink at arrival and macarons are the best first impression one can have.
Hostellerie la Briqueterie: Class, Calm and Professionalism in the Heart of Champagne
When you drive two hours from Paris, on small dark non-illuminated roads, you really don’t know what to expect. Booking for a night, my wife chose this "Relais & Chateaux" located in the heart of champagne. Perfection in the details starts from the minute you arrive in, to the second you leave pampering you every step of the way. I loved the place, the room and the morning breakfast served as of 07:30 am.
Hotel Daniel: Luxurious, Cosy and Calm in the heart of Paris
Located in the heart of Paris, a few meters from the world’s most famous avenue, Hotel Daniel is one of the few Relais & Chateaux of the French capital. Being owned by a Lebanese and a sister company of the Hotel Albergo of Beirut, I wanted to visit Hotel Daniel on my next visit to Paris.
Experience Freehand New York: Hotel, Restaurant and Coffee Shop
It’s an experience called “Freehand” where the vibes are fresh, food is great and the rooms are unique. I’m in love with their breakfast, “Studio” the morning eatery “Smile on the Go” for lovely sandwiches and bites and the rooms which are fresh, simple and offer a view on Manhattan: one bed, two windows, and fast internet. A big red sign, funny designs on the glass, push the door and discover a classy design inspired by forests of the Amazon. I felt some positive vibes and knew it’s going to be a pleasant experience.
Hotel Westin Excelsior Roma: My Stay, Breakfast, and Dinner
Seeing the hotel lobby photos online, I couldn’t but book my stay at The Westin. Being a fan of the brand and already experiencing it in Milan, Dublin, Cairo, and Florence, Rome was next on the list. Unfortunately, the Westin Excelsior Roma staff lacks the attention to details, the class and finesse of a brand like The Westin. I expected to be pampered.
Gramercy Park Hotel; Your Unconventional Stay in New York
Different from other hotels in New York for its special architecture, dark lighting, and unique calm location, The Gramercy Park Hotel was on my bucket list since I had my first breakfast at Maialino last year - the hotel’s famous restaurant. Arriving at 9 pm, I was welcomed into a dark lobby decorated with touches of red reminding me of the 14th-century castles.
De L’Europe Hôtel Amsterdam; A Perfect Choice
A wide and relaxing bed, a nicely lit room, a huge bathroom and a separate toilet, I was relaxing in my room and wished time stopped. De L’Europe hôtel is one of Amsterdam’s most renowned hotels located in the heart of the action, just minutes from the Amsterdam sign, the red light district and the beautiful canals.
I Feel Home at The Radisson Blu Kuwait City
I feel home at The Radisson Blu Kuwait City and let me tell you why; I feel good because I’ve been here two times already, welcomed with class, respected and pampered without feeling harassed by the staff you see at luxurious hotels. A superb room, carpets and warmth, a fast internet connection and a sumptuous breakfast. Arrive at the reception, check-in and let the experience take you places...
The Intercontinental Hotel of Festival City Impresses Me Every Time
I’ve been here three times already and still feel like writing a review like if it was the first. I love it here on all fronts, the attention, the decor, the room amenities and morning breakfast making of your stay a memorable one. I’ve been impressed every time by the staff’s care and the quality of my sleep feeling like repeating the experience every time I have the chance to.
The Life Hotel; Manhattan, New York City
With a bar and a gourmet restaurant, Life is an affordable hotel located in the heart of the action, behind the Empire State Building and walking distance from Flatiron. Life proposes wide rooms, a super speedy complimentary internet connection, and a delicious breakfast. I’ve spent four nights at Life and I’ll consider coming again.
The Westin Cairo: A Soothing Escape, A Great Hotel
Located in the heart of an upscale area in Cairo, the Westin Katameya is a five stars hotel and resort that will transport you into another dimension like if you traveled to the Canary Islands and back. Excellent service, ample rooms, and tasty food, the hotel made want to book my next holiday trip with my family.
The W Hotel New York; Upscale and Professional on Union Square
One of my favorite hotel brands is called the “W.” A fantastic Experience in Istanbul, a unique stay in Dubai and now New York, in the heart of the action, at walking distance from great food choices and a view on Union Square, the W is breathtaking! Upscale and luxurious, a vast room I enjoyed, a restaurant with the most favorable vibes I’ve seen... I felt enchanted for a night.
1 Hotel New York: Perfection in the Details
Perfection in the details is what best describes the 1, a catchy hotel located on Sixth Avenue by the park. With its beautiful green facade covering the building, it’s not a hotel you won’t notice when walking the busy streets of New York. With its small details and chic decor, the 1 is your guaranteed dose of pampering for a night or even more.
