January 21, 2020

2019 in Review: 30 Hotels I’ve Visited This Year

A year to be remembered... Thirty hotels visited in more than 14 countries. Amazing discoveries, endless learning... Check out the list below if you plan to visit any of the destinations this year.

The Pulitzer Hotel Paris: I'm Back After Seven Years!

I'm back... After Seven Years: The Pulitzer. A four stars hotel, 13 minute minutes away from my point of interest, was a great choice where I spent most of my time in my cozy room working or watching TV.

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The Dominican Brussels: Perfect Location, Breakfast I Liked but Bad Room Service

When I visited the hotel’s restaurant in 2015, that’s four years ago; it left me with a unique impression that made me want to visit again. This time, not for lunch but to spend the New Year’s last days, and experience the rooms. Excellent location, beautiful decor, soothing music... I love it here!

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The Rosewood Hôtel London: Iconic and Luxurious at the Covent Gardens

“Good morning sir said the doorman helping me out of my cab; welcome to the Rosewood!”. Spending four nights in the capital, I chose the Rosewood. One of the city’s most iconic hotels promises an experience of luxury and style located at the Covent gardens, a walking distance from the shopping and touristic quarters. Rosewood London is a five stars palace hotel with two restaurants and a bar.

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Hôtel des Bergues: Geneva’s Oldest and Luxurious Stay on the Lake

One of Geneva’s finest hotels, located in the city’s heart and few meters from the shopping streets, old town, and watch manufacturers, welcomes you for a luxurious experience. Classy, upscale, refined and professional, the five stars Palace takes you on a journey, a journey of style and finesse.

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The Fairmont, Le Montreux Palace Hôtel is Simply Marvelous

Laying on my bed after driving for six hours from Paris to Switzerland, I felt like waking up from a dream. Relaxing my body and enjoying the view, I took a moment to tell you about the Fairmont. One of the city’s most iconic hotels welcomes you for a weekend of dreams. With its cafe, lounge bar, and iconic restaurant, the mansion has it all to make you dream. A dream come true if I may call it.

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Fauchon L’Hotel: I’ve Been Here Two Times and Loving It

After spending a memorable time at this particular hotel last year, I couldn’t but book again three nights when visiting Paris. I loved everything about Fauchon L’Hotel starting by the professional welcome, signature aromatic drink, mouthwatering macarons before even moving to the room. Up in our luxurious quarters, a handful of Fauchon products are all free! Yes, free of charge, enjoy crackers, biscuits, and water. How could I forget the experience and not book another stay at Fauchon.

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The Sofitel Munich is a Marvelous Art Masterpiece, a Pleasant Stay and Premium Breakfast

Art, art is everywhere, and the architect who designed this hotel definitely deserves an award. It’s magic from the minute you step foot inside this living gallery of colors and shapes. A rainbow of colors perfectly matching makes you stand in admiration, taking photos of every single detail. What a place!

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The Sofitel Berlin: A Recommended Hôtel for You and Your Kids

A Hotel is all about the details, every single detail that makes your stay a unique one to remember. It’s the location at first, and then comes the pampering, the welcoming, the room amenities, services, and the nitty-gritty things that will make you feel at home. Le Sofitel Berlin is one of those hotels I enjoyed staying at and will recommend to my friends visiting the German capital.

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The Iconic Steigenberger Hotel of Frankfurt; Luxury in The Heart of the City

Built-in 1876, the Steigenberger Hotel is one of Germany’s iconic hotel brands occupying that same building since its opening. Located a few minutes walk from the touristic areas in the very heart of Frankfurt’s financial district, book your stay and discover the city without the hassle of taking a taxi. Luxury at its finest from the minute you arrive at the second you leave. A majordomo welcomes you with a large smile; a bellboy grabs the bags; the reception staff tried to find solutions for all your demands while you are accompanied to your room.

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W Hotel Istanbul: Back After Six Years and I Still Enjoy it!

Visiting Istanbul this summer, I chose the W for my stay. Part of the Marriott group of hotels, the W is a luxurious yet trendy brand for the youth. It’s rare to find older people due to decorative items, low lights, and sexy furniture. Because I visited in 2013 and liked the experience, I planned another visit this year. Located in the heart of Istanbul, minutes from the shopping malls, meters from the nightlife district, and facing the sea, you will be fulfilled during your stay.

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Casa de Thoum: I Loved the Room, the Bed, the Guesthouse, and Tasty Breakfast

I've been places, toured around Lebanon, visited dozens of guesthouses and this one makes it on the TOP5 list. One of the best and most enjoyable stays to date, Casa de Thoum will offer you and your family a memorable and happy moments up on the hills of Batroun. I've spent one night in a super relaxing bed, enjoyed a swim at seven in the morning, followed by a delicious breakfast.

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Maison Bleue Guesthouse, Mazraat el Touffah: A Relaxation Retreat Up North

Maison Bleue is an anthology of colors and flavors in the heart of the massive green pines and cedar trees of the mountains near Ehden and the holy valley of Qannoubine. Located 900 meters above sea level, close to the beautiful beaches of Chekka-Anfeh and the Black Peak overlooking the Cedars of God forests and the highest ski resort in the Middle East, Maison Bleue invites you to come and discover the mesmerizing beauty of this hidden nature gem in Mazraat Al Touffah.

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Al Fundok Hotel, Maasser el Chouf: It's Classy, It's Trendy and It's Worth Visiting

I've spent a night at Al Fundok Hotel, enjoyed dinner and breakfast, took a hundred photos and promised myself to visit again. Check out the photos yourself and plan your next visit. Telephone: 05 350 451

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Beit Mirna Guesthouse: Your Home Away from Home in Ehden

Situated in Ehden, 6 km from Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve, Beit Mirna is your destination for a tranquil and peaceful getaway surrounded by the green virgin nature.

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Grecotel Pallace Athens: Good but not the Five Stars I Expected

A happy hotel... but unfortunately not the rooms! A beautiful lobby, decorative structures, design items until the room door opened. I was willing to post a 5/5 about the hotel for its unique location and excellent price but I can’t say the same about the room: cold with no decoration or carpet, old bathrooms, smelly old towels, tiny little bottles of shampoo, a small television... I was expecting something funky, colorful, fresh, generous and loaded with love!

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The Armani Hotel Milano: Technology and Style with a Touch of Finesse

I’m a fan of the brand, -not the clothing brand but- their restaurants and now added hotels to the list. Upscale, modern, generous, luxurious, and created to impress. It’s been a ritual to visit Armani’s restaurants every time I have the chance to of which Dubai, Istanbul, New York, Milano, and Paris. The Armani Caffe, Emporio Armani Caffe, and the restaurant. I was so happy to experience The Armani Hotel collection for the first time.

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Hotel Regency Firenze: Small Luxury Hotels of the World in Florence

Located at a ten minutes walk from Florence city center, the Regency is a luxury boutique hotel for travelers seeking calm. Old and authentic, the decor takes you on journey back memory lane making you travel through time. Burgundy royal colors, carved wood, gold, and silver are some of the items used. Enjoying breakfast, sipping my coffee, and writing my review, I was ready for a great day of discoveries in Florence.

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Staying at Villa Cordevigo Relais & Chateaux in Cavaion, Italy

Arriving at a closed gate, the receptionist answered: “Good morning sir, welcome to Villa Cordevigo”. I drove the alley between high trees, left my car at the parking, and walked to the entrance. The sound of gravel moving under my feet, the music of birds tickling my ears, the colorful walls satisfying my eyes and enchanting vibes caressing my body... I felt transported into another dimension. I’m spending two nights at Relais & Chateaux, Villa Cordevigo, a wine estate in Cavaion near Verona.

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Best Western Hotel, Le Mondial Hôtel, Cannes

Spending the night in Cannes, I chose a casual hotel called Le Mondial. Part of the Best Western brand, the hotel, located in the heart of Cannes’ market was a perfect choice. Shopping, dining, and relaxing sleep.

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Zaya Nurai: The Luxury Hotel Island! Food, Fun and Relaxation

Experience paradise on earth; welcome to Zaya Nurai island! Located in Abu Dhabi, the natural island hosts one of the most luxurious hotels on earth welcoming you in one of their fifty individual villas hosting between one and six rooms. Relax and enjoy luxury in your own stand-alone house with your private pool and beachfront... it’s called Zaya Nurai!

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The Phoenicia Hotel Malta: In the Heart of the Action, Enjoy a Luxurious Stay

Sitting by the windows on a calm Monday morning, enjoying the weather outside, soothing music and positive vibes of The Phoenix restaurant, I let myself go to the vibes of this beautiful hotel. After spending three nights at The Phoenicia, enjoyed its breakfast two times already and experienced its lunch and dinner, I was ready to share with you the memorable experience.

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Villa Paradiso Hotel Batroun: I Love it Here!

Whether you're in the mood for eggs, manakish, dairy, homemade jams or a fruit parfait, at Villa Paradiso you start your day off right with a delicious breakfast made with fresh and organic ingredients.

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Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront

I’m staying for a week at the incredible 5-star Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront. I am a fan of the Radisson collection of hotels trying it in many countries already. With outstanding facilities and friendly, professional service, my stay was memorable and the hotel became my new home away from home.

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Le Cedrus Hotel: An Enjoyable Stay and Good Food up in the Cedars

It’s my second time at Le Cedrus, enjoying it more and more every visit. After visiting in August during the summer season, I’m back to discover the Cedars during wintertime. Up in Lebanon’s favorite winter destination, there’s a hotel I recommend: Le Cedrus offers a cozy atmosphere and delicious food at restaurant Le Pichet.

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An Exceptional Stay at The Radisson Collection, Hotel Royal Copenhagen

An upscale hotel, oozing luxury and style, located in the very center of Copenhagen, offering a superb view and amazing amenities; welcome to the Radisson Collection Hotel Royal Copenhagen. I’m a fan of the Radisson hotel group of hotels, tried it already several times around the world and I make sure to put it on top of my list when visiting a new city. Bravo for such an amazing hotel where devil is in the details.

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Intercontinental Le Grand: A Luxurious Stay in Paris

Perfect, it’s just perfect! Even though not ranked as a palace, it feels like one. The Intercontinental Opera is a Hotel I will recommend to my friends visiting the French capital. With its back entrance located behind Le Cafe de La Paix and the famous Opera Garnier, we arrived in front of a big door leading to a lobby decorated with fine marble and shiny crystal chandeliers.

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Hotel Taschenbergpalais, Kempinski Dresden: A Luxurious and Upscale Experience

I needed an escape to new year’s eve. An escape from crowded Prague... my wife suggested Dresden. I’ve been here for a couple hours in 2014 and honestly don’t remember a thing so why not visit again. Spending the New Year’s Eve in style, we booked at the Kempinski, one of my favorite brands.

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Relais & Châteaux, The Dresdener Hotel Bülow Palais, Dresden Germany

In the Baroque quarter of Dresden behind its historic facade - only a short walk from landmarks such as Semperoper, Zwinger and Frauenkirche. Experience a hotel full of congeniality and individuality.

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The Intercontinental Hotel Prague: Staying in the Heart of the City

In the heart of the city, The Intercontinental Prague is probably one of the most visited international chains in the Czech capital. Located a hundred meters from the old town square, the hotel is perfect a quick visit to Prague. Walk down the street of international luxurious brands, climb up to the castle or walk to the old town.

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