IE-LuxuryHotels: September 2009

France Luxury Holidays

10:23 AM

France is known as a diverse country in its people, architectures and landscapes. 56% of the French population claim to have foreign background and hence France is one of the most diverse countries inEurope to include immigrants from five continents, Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and America. France is home of the highest point in Europe (Mont-Blanc 4,810 m; 15,780 ft) and one of the lowest points in Europe, Delta du Rhone, (-5 m; -15 ft). Despite its size, France's landscapes are extremely varied from one region to another, ranging from its busling capital, Paris and its suburbs to high alpine territory, to oceanfront resort towns.

The French cuisine is characterised by its extreme diversity, and style. A fundamental part of the French cuisine is a wide variety of French wine and French cheese as both ingredients are accompaniments. Local cuisines,include Loire Valley cuisine, Basque cuisine and the cuisine of Roussillon, which is similar to Catalan cuisine. One travelling across France will notice significant differences in the ways of cooking and the dished served.

France’s most popular sports include basketball, football (soccer), handball and rugby union. France has hosted the 1998 FIFA World Cup, and will be hosting the upcoming 2007 Rugby World Cup in the Stade de France in Paris which is the largest stadium in France. France also hosts the famous and prestigious road bicycle race annually - Tour de France. France is also famous for its 24 Hours of Le Mans sports car endurance race held in the Sarthe department.

Popular tourist sites include the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Palace of Versailles, Orsay Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Centre Pompidou, Mont-Saint-Michel, Château de Chambord,Sainte-Chapelle, Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, Musée Picasso, Carcassonne. Other very popular and well-known tourist sites include: Palace of the Popes, Avignon, Disneyland Resort Paris, the châteaux of the Loire Valley, the ski resorts of the French Alps or Pyrenees, Tahiti and the lagoons of French Polynesia.

Sutton Place Hotels Launches “Sutton Prestige”

10:22 AM

Sutton Place Hotel That’s right. The Sutton Place Grande Hotels Group– which includes the elegant, AAA five-diamond Sutton Place Vancouver– has announced a new, collection-wide guest recognition program. “Sutton Prestige” is quite the rewards program, designed to enhance services to guests during their stay. The two benefit levels for repeat guests are Gold and Platinum. Lucky guests can reach Platinum status after just ten stays, and get VIP treatment and special privileges: late check-out, express check-in, free upgrades, welcome amenities, and more. Accumulate points for every dollar spent and redeem them for valuable gifts and rewards, like spa treatments, dinner for two, plush Sutton Place bathrobes, a two-night stay in a luxury suite, and even airline tickets. Besides the magnificent Vancouver property, Sutton Place Grande Hotels Group includes luxury hotels in Chicago, Edmonton, and Toronto.

New Resort on Mexico’s Riviera Maya

10:16 AM

Capella Bahia Maroma

The bathroom looks big enough to sleep in at the swanky Capella Bahia Maroma, the latest resort set to open near Playa del Carmen on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. Nestled on 250 acres surrounded by mangroves and jungle, the resort has a private golf course and an Auriga Spa. Additonal bragging rights: a perfect mile-long beach with the world’s second largest coral reef just off-shore.

Capella Bahia Maroma

Sure– you can go diving and snorkeling along the reef, or visit the nearby Mayan ruins at Tulum, Chichenitza and Coba. But you may find it hard to tear yourself away from your Mayan-inspired suite, where you can stretch out and enjoy the ocean breeze while listening to tunes (iPod docking stations, LCD televisions, and wireless Internet are found in each of the 86 accommodations). Opening date scheduled for November 2009.

Brix Condos- Revisited

10:15 AM

Six months ago I reviewed the Brix lofts (on 10th Avenue). This week, I had the chance to tour the completed condos on the Broadway side.

The building does not have a ton of amenities, mainly the roof top deck, central courtyard and two lobbies. For those who want to economize on HOA and price, this will be welcome news. For those who are looking for lots of building bells and whistles, this may not be your kind of condo. Brix has recently reduced prices on some of their homes.

The overall feel of the building is quite pleasant, especially the central courtyard. It is surprisingly quiet given that Broadway is just on the other side of the building. Unfortunately for Brix, a 6 story apartment building has started their construction right across the street and this will block most of the west facing views.

The two floor plans I found most interesting during the tour are the open one bedroom plus den and two bedroom homes on the north side of the building. In a typical open one bedroom floor plan, closet space is usually small or limited. In this floor plan, there is a very good sized walk-in closet right across from the bedroom. The den is close to the living area but not taking up the living room space. There is also a little entry area before you see the rest of the home. No views to speak due to the new apartment building across the street.

As for the two bedroom floor plan, #410 came across as the most appealing. The two bedrooms are separated by the living room. The kitchen is well laid out with an island. There are almost floor to ceiling windows in the living area. Layout is very open and efficient.

There are a few nice features in the Broadway homes. You will find a rain shower and either a single or double under-mounted sink in the bathroom. In a couple of the two bedroom homes, there is a walk-in shower. In most homes, the kitchen will either have a stationary or movable island. The only thing that I am not really fond in some of the open one bedroom homes is the bathroom. They are only accessible from the bedroom (less privacy when you have guest visiting).

Overall, the Broadway condos are more contemporary in design than their town home/ lofts counterparts on 10th Ave. The level of finishes are of similar quality.

Icon Tower and Enso

10:14 AM

Icon Tower aerial map

The site of Icon Tower is up for Sale. The approximately 11,000 square foot lot was planned as a 32-story condo but later on the developer decided to change it to an apartment. However, they were unable to obtain financing for the project. Read more here.

Enso Grand opening

Enso will be having their Grand Opening this weekend from 11.00am to 5.00pm. The project is approximately 60% presold and working on obtaining final approval from Fannie Mae. There are not a whole lot of new projects out there that are interesting to visit unless you don't mind crossing over the bridge to Bellevue (yeah, I know). If you are in the market, I would check out Enso. All the floor plans on the 12th floor are open for the public to view.

ArtHaus- Capitol Hill Condo

10:05 AM

Arthaus ArtHaus is a nine-unit boutique condominium conversion located inCapitol Hill, one block south of Volunteer Park. The nine homes include studio, one bedroom and two bedroom floor plans. Four of them are sold. The remaining homes are one bedroom's ranging from 578 to 677 square feet and one large two bedroom on the top floor with square footage of 1,368. Prices for these homes range from $280,000 to $320,000 for the one bedroom and $680,000's for the two bedroom.

Interior of the homes feature 8.5' ceilings, 16" crown molding (living room), original millwork, original wood floors, tile floorings in the kitchen, stainless appliances, slab granite countertops and mahogany cabinets. Storage and parking are also included. The building is also equipped with Wi-Fi for all owners. The developer has also done some extensive work to convert this 1927 building including re-tuck pointing of the brick exterior, new roof, windows, eletrical and plumbing work.

The homes have a functional layout with the living room seperated from the kitchen and bedroom. Each space is well defined yet does not feel chopped up and narrow. The only drawback for a couple of the homes is the small bedroom closets. Half of the space is taken up by the ensuite washer and dryer. The only other space you could probably store personal items will be the large walk in closet in the living room which will probably also be used as a coat closet, storage or small office space.

How does Arthaus compare to McKean in Queen Anne? Both are built around the same time with almost the same number of homes.

Location: One thing about Arthaus, it is close to a park and walking distance to Broadway where you can find almost everything you need. McKean location is a little more ways out from all the conveniences.

View: McKean has more homes with some type of neighborhood or water view which Arthaus lacks.

Finishes: The finishes in McKean are more contemporary whereas ArtHaus is more traditional.

Space: McKean floor plans are much larger than ArtHaus, however, their bathrooms are smaller than ArtHaus. McKean homes come with gas cooking; ArtHaus has electric cooking.

Amenities: ArtHaus has a movie room with a collection movies that residents can watch on the 42 inch plasma TV. In the case of McKean, there is a garden right in front of the building.

Overall, if you like the idea of an intimate building on a quiet street, ArtHaus is worth a look.

Normandy Hotel

8:52 AM

The Normandy Hotel is located in the very heart of Paris, between the Louvre Museum and the Tuileries Garden, you will find a charming, traditional and quiet hotel. Located in an excellent area, a short stroll to the Louvre Museum, Rue de Rivoli and the diamond shops of the rue de la Paix, the Normandy is a refined hotel providing a highly personalized service.

The Normandy Hotel is a charming traditional hotel in impressive neoclassical building dating from 1875. The staff delight in extending their warmest hospitality. Modern comfort combined with the elegance and refinement of the past. The Normandy Hotel is minutes to fine dining, shopping, and entertainment venues.

Restaurant & Bar:

Il - This trendy restaurant serves French cuisine in a neo-baroque setting highlighted by a completely restored 19th-century ceiling. The restaurant is opened for Lunch Monday to Friday.
English Bar - Cocktails and light meals are served daily in this roomy bar decorated in English plaids and traditional black-leather chairs.
Breakfast Salon - A daily breakfast buffet is served in a large room with street-level windows, and decorated in wine tones.

Bedrooms:
All rooms or suites have been recently renovated, in French traditional style, with antique furnishings, soft and warm colour shades. This hotel has 125 guestrooms, all of which include private bathrooms, period furnishings, coordinated fabrics in warm tones, and large, soundproofed windows overlooking small streets or an interior courtyard.

Tradition Room
Standard room (18m2) with bathroom and antique furniture. Minibar, satellite TV with possibility of PAY TV.
Privilege Room
Superior room (22m2) with bathroom and antique furniture. Minibar, satellite TV with possibility of PAY TV.

Facilities:
The Normandy offers convivial surroundings for your business meetings or leisure trip.

Local attractions:
The Normandy Hotel is a deluxe, landmark hotel, located in the heart of Paris, near the River Seine, opposite the Louvre. The hotel is very close to the Opera Garnier, the Palais Royal and Place Vendome.

Travel Information:

Train Station: Gare du Nord / 10mn - Gare St Lazare / 5mn.

Carlton Hotel Baglioni

8:48 AM

The hotel has 92 rooms with a stylish and intimate ambiance where antiques and fine fabrics leave a tasteful touch of classic. Some of the rooms are in the Art Deco style with authentic furniture and objets d'art and the suites have hosted many international celebrities. The hotel is also well-known for hosting the Baretto al Baglioni restaurant, one of Milan most renowned eating places and a meeting place for celebrities who love to savor exquisite slight Milanese food or Mediterranean dishes in a typical yet elegant surroundings.

The Caffe Baglioni with its open air Terrace Bar welcomes guests throughout the day and late into the evening.

The Guerlain Spa run by Guerlain-Spa Chakra teams offers hotel guests and locals the ultimate wellness experience with ultra-luxury amenities. The 3229 square feet facility accommodates 7 treatment rooms for a complete array of customized fitness, well-being and beauty therapies tailored to guest needs.

Millennium Hotel Paris Opera

8:47 AM

The Millennium Hotel Paris Opera, your Parisian home from home, is situated on the Boulevard Haussmann, within easy reach of the main business areas, such as the main financial district and stock exchange, the main luxurious shopping areas of Place Vendome and Faubourg St Honore, the main department stores, such as Galeries Lafayette and Printemps as well as the main museums, the Louvre and Musee d'Orsay. The hotel is just steps away from the Opera Garnier and the famous Place Vendome.

The Millennium Hotel Paris Opera offers you 163 spacious guest rooms including 12 suites, all completely refurbished to the highest standards, including individual air-conditioning. All rooms feature en suite bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities, trouser press, a full size working desk with direct connexion access to the internet, a 110V and 220V socket. All bathrooms are beautifully decorated with marble floors and for most of them with separated toilets.

The Millennium Paris Opera is designed in the typical Parisian style of a town house, including architectural elements from its historical art et deco period, thus offering its guests a very warm atmosphere with tailor made services to the needs of the individual discerning traveller.

All public areas of the hotel are all equipped with broad band wireless internet access. For your well being, we offer our Brasserie Haussmann with fine French cuisine and an extensive wine selection from around the world, as well as our cosy Bar La Bibliotheque, featuring a fire place and a warm a atmosphere. The whole banqueting spaces is equipped with facilities as well as a private lobby and bar. The "Savoir Faire" of our staff will make your stay most enjoyable.

Naturally our staff will do its utmost to cater for your every need.

Restaurant & Bar:
This hotel offers 2 delightful restaurants and an attractive bar/lounge.

Bar La Bibliotheque - Typical French Lounge Bar
Cosy and warm area where guests can enjoy the food from the Brasserie next to a fire place. Cocktail bar in the evening.
Brasserie Haussmann - Typical French Brasserie
Open terrace on the Boulevard Haussmann brasserie. Typical French style with glass dome. Original cuisine from an open kitchen.

Bedrooms:
The Millennium Hotel Paris Opera offers you 163 spacious guest rooms including 12 suites, all completely refurbished to the highest standards, including individual air-conditioning, high speed internet access, satellite TV as well as pay TV. All rooms feature en suite bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities, trouser press, a full size working desk with direct connexion access to the internet, a 110V and 220V socket. All bathrooms are beautifully decorated with marble floors and for most of them with separated toilets.

Local attractions:
The Millennium Opera Paris is a beautiful deluxe hotel located just 45 minutes from the busy Charles de Gaulle and Orly International Airports in the city's popular 9th district; and is within walking distance of the Richelieu Drouot Metro Station, which offers easy access to every part of this romantic city.

quiet backwater of Amsterdam

8:35 AM

In a quiet backwater of Amsterdam, situated just off the elegant Apollolaan, lies a small hotel with a great personality: the five-star Bilderberg Garden Hotel. Within walking distance you'll find the most fashionable of Amsterdam's shopping streets, some of the greatest museums (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh museum) and the world-famous Concertgebouw. And if you come for business, it's only a few minutes by car to the RAI and the WTC.

Bedrooms:
It's the unexpected details that will surprise you. From an 'iron centre' to a bathrobe and from a CD player to personalised notepaper. Pillows, books, and CDs can all be ordered throughout the day. The facilities and the size of the rooms depend on the type of room you choose. All rooms have mini-bar, electronic safe, air-conditioning and coffee and tea-making facilities.

Restaurant:
For more than 20 years, "De Kersentuin" has been an established name in Amsterdam. A restaurant with a rich history where traditional dishes are served creatively and where Michel van der Kroft reigns supreme. Enjoy an 8-course "amuse diner" or let the chef surprise you.
You can also enjoy a drink at the Bar De Kersepit.

Conference and Meetings:
Looking for a great place to hold a meeting? With us, you'll get three well-equipped meeting rooms, each with culinary finesse: Cappuccino, Cherry or Chocolate. Coffee breaks, menus and decor are tuned to the themes. Personal assistance, excellent food and ample parking facilities are our trademark. And all of this only two minutes drive away from the ring road and fifteen from Schiphol Airport. That's what we call doing business à la Bilderberg.

Access:

Directions to the Bilderberg Garden Hotel/Mangerie de Kerentuin.

Coming from motorway A-2 Utrecht/Den Bosch and A-1 Amersfoort:

Follow signs circular way (Ring) A-10 Amsterdam Zuid/West (South West)
Exit S-108 (Zuid/WTC/Amstelveen)
At the traffic lights to the right (Zuid/Centrum)
Please follow instructions under*

Coming from motorway A-4 Schiphol/Den Haag/Rotterdam and A-9 Haarlem:

Follow signs circular way (Ring) A-10 Amsterdam Zuid (South)
Exit S-108 (Zuid/WTC/Amstelveen)
At the traffic lights to the right, under the viaduct (sign with red cherry)
Please follow instructions under*

Coming from motorway A-8 Zaanstad and A-7 Purmerend:

Follow signs circular way (Ring) A-10 Amsterdam Zuid/West (South West)
Go through the Coentunnel
Exit S-108 (Zuid/WTC/Amstelveen)
At the traffic lights to the right, under the viaduct (sign with red cherry)

Coming from all Directions:

Passing a Citroengarage and the Olympic Stadion the road makes a right turn
At the very next traffic-lights go straight on for 20m (sign with red Cherry) and then cross the road to the left, the name of the road is Olympiaweg
Continue for about 1 km, three traffic lights, the name of the road becomes Apollolaan
At the third traffic light, the hotel appears on your left-hand side, go to the left
The entrance is in the first small street to the right, Dijsselhofplantsoen 7

Public transport to the Bilderberg Garden Hotel / Mangerie de Kersentuin

Coming from Schipol Airport:

KLM shuttle-bus, first stop Garden Hotel/Amsterdam Hilton, 10.50 Euros
Taxi, about 28.00 Euros

Coming from the Centraal Station:

Tram 5 or 24, stop Apollolaan
A 5 minutes walk; at the traffic lights to the right, Apollolaan
Next traffic lights to the right and to the right again, Dijsselhofplantsoen /Garden Hotel
Taxi, about 15.00 Euros

Coming from ZUID/WTC:

Tram 5, direction Centraal Station, stop Apollolaan
A 5 minutes walk; at the traffic lights to the right, Apollolaan
Next traffic lights to the right and to the right again, Dijsselhofplantsoen /Garden Hotel
Taxi, about 8.50 Euros

We are pleased to help you park your car and assist you with your luggage.

Travel Information:

Bus Stop: Nearest Bus stop is Apollolaan.
Train Station: Nearest Train Station is Centraal Station.

Royal Suite

8:32 AM

The Royal Suite is elegant and contemporary yet classical, with hints of an art deco style. Crystal fixtures contrast with rich wood, iridescent shell details and furnishings in a silvery palette. This suite also provides exclusive amenities, including an exercise room with massage table, his-and-hers walk-in closets and a private office.

The interior space opens onto a 93-square-metre (1,000-square-foot) furnished terrace, which offers a dining area and unique lighting.
The private living area features his-and-hers walk-in closets and an oversized bathroom with an oversize tub, shower and dual vanities.
The suite is outfitted with a premium entertainment system, including wireless Internet access, a media room featuring a 152-centimetre (60-inch) television, a DVD player and digital surround sound.
Also included are a fully stocked refrigerated private bar, scented candles in the bathroom, a collection of reading materials in the library and a collection of CDs and DVDs, as well as personalised concierge services, a luxury car and driver available four hours per day, unpacking and packing services, and the assistance of a personal shopper at a selection of department stores.
For an additional fee, services available by request include a personal trainer, a massage therapist, a personal chef, service staff and a security officer.
This spacious one-bedroom suite can be configured as a two- or three-bedroom suite with the addition of connecting rooms. Different rates apply; please contact the Hotel or our Worldwide Reservations Office for details.

Top 10 World's futuristic luxury hotels

8:24 AM

World Amzing Laxuary Hotels
The fast changing modes of travel would certainly one day make a big dent on the hotel industry. Only those will survive who have something special to offer or, at least, I would never settle down at a place with belts of my flying car or jetpack intact.
The designers of the hotels of tomorrow, perhaps, have kept this in mind while creating futuristic hotels to lure the global nomads, of course, in case the Time Machine doesn’t becomes a reality

1. Commercial Space Station Skywalker: The inflatable space hotelDesigner: Bigelow Aerospace, Las VegasLocation: 515-kms above EarthStatus: The human space complex will be accessible by 2015Estimated project cost: $500 millionCost per person: $1 million a nightCertainly, we’ll have to stop this constant to and fro journey and make space our permanent base. And to make this a reality, the assembling of ‘CSS Skywalker’ kicked off with the launch of ‘Genesis I’ from Russia mid last year. Solar cells will power the inhabitable complex made of various sections that will inflate to take their real form in space. The sections or rooms of the CSS will allow rockets to dock. In future, the modules will be used as basis for space yachts and moon cruisers.
With a volume of 1,500.00 m3 and mass of 100,000 kg, the CSS Skywalker will have a maximum diameter of 30.00 m (98.00 ft).
The concept is a big challenge while it tests inflatable technology and fights to survive in hazardous conditions. Hope it’s made to face the wrath of the meteorites, though the hull of each module is made of three protective layers with an outer 18-inch-thick shield made of alternating woven graphite composite and foam to protect against orbital debris.
Passing reference: The Diamond Ring HotelLocation: Abu Dhabi

2. Galactic Suite
Designer Xavier Claramunt has tried to imbibe things especially to whet a adventurer’s dream with the Galactic Suite which will have around 22 rooms, measuring 7X4 meters, free of straight lines or angles and huge windows. It is termed as the first global project of its kind, next to Robert Bigelow’s space hotel. Different capsules will act as bars, restaurants, reception

3. Aeroscraft: The flying luxury hotel of tomorrow
Designer: Igor Pasternak (Worldwide Aeros Corporation), Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo (WATG)Status: Prototype under development The ‘Aeroscraft’ is a gigantic 400-ton blimp designed to carry passengers in its spacious luxury cosmos onboard. The flying hotel with an area equal to two football fields hangs in air with 14 million cubic feet of helium, huge electric and hydrogen fuel cell powered propellers and six turbofan jet engines. The hotel can accommodate 250 passengers driving them at a speed of 174 miles per hour up to 6, 000 miles.
Flying 8,000 feet above in the air, the 165×244x647 feet airship will provide tourists hi-tech amenities including casino, restaurants and staterooms.

4. The Lunatic Hotel: Hotel on the Moon
Designer: Hans-Jurgen Rombaut, Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo (WATG)Status: Blueprint ready, will take real shape by 2050
Orbiting in space seems more thrilling but Moon brings in a nostalgic aura. Perhaps, the Lunatic Hotel concept will serve it all with spectacular views sprinkled with joys of low gravity and an alien feeling. Designer Hans-Jurgen Rombaut of the Rotterdam Academy of Architecture in the Netherlands is quite optimistic to complete the dream project by 2050.
The ’sensation engine’, as the designer calls it, will allow tourists to indulge in low-gravity games with the help of two 160-meters high slanting towers. The towers will be equipped with teardrop-shaped ‘habitation capsules’ which will serve as spaceship like suits for tourists.
The 50-cms thick hull made of Moon rock and layers holding water will protect inhabitants from the harsh lunar environment including extreme temperatures and lethal cosmic rays and solar particles. If the whole concept comes out successful, we can expect a real lunar village too. (Photo Credit: NASA)

5. The Hydropolis: A self-acclaimed 10-star underwater hotel
Location: DubaiDesigner: Joachim Hauser, Crescent Hydropolis ResortsEstimated project cost: $500-million
The Hydropolis Undersea Resort, especially designed keeping in mind that we’re around 60% water, endeavors to deliver the serene beauty of the ocean in its true colors. The one of its kind resort will encompass a whopping 1.1-million-square-foot of area offering shopping mall, ballroom, island villas, restaurant, high-tech cinema and surprisingly, a missile-defense system for your security 60-feet underwater.
Tourists can enjoy their stay in 220 theme suites within the submarine leisure complex. It is one of the largest contemporary construction projects in the world, covering an area of 260 hectares, about the size of London’s Hyde Park.
The resort is designed with a petal-like retracting roof to organize open-sky events
Around 150 firms are involved in the project, which is expected to complete this year if all technical, land, and financial challenges are met, but it’s delayed as per the latest reports. Following the line and determined of the success of the Hydropolis, Crescent-Hydropolis is now planning a chain of underwater hotels around the world

6. The Poseidon Undersea Resort
Location: Fiji, The Poseidon Mystery IslandDesigner: Bruce JonesStatus: Under construction, will be completed by September 2008Estimated project cost: $105 millionCost per person: $15,000 per weekOur pursuit of unique spaces now goes straight 1,200-square feet under the sea in the lap of Poseidon undersea resort. The world’s first underwater resort will be ready by the end of next year with breathtaking coral reefs where you can literally immerse yourself
Surrounded by 5,000-acre lagoon, the Bruce Jones’ Poseidon Mystery Island offers luxurious 550 square feet large suites.
Not only this, the Poseidon Resorts website says, ‘the first 1,000 guests will have their names permanently inscribed on two monuments one on the island, and one on the floor of the lagoon.’ Now, that’s incredible!

7. WaterworldThis spectacular :design by Atkin’s Architecture Group deservedly won the first prize award last year in an international design competition. The 400-bed resort hotel features underwater public areas, guest rooms, cafes, and restaurants. The major attraction is the extreme sporting facilities including a luxurious swimming pool, rock climbing and bungee jumping.
What more to say, the pictures are screaming BLISS. (Photo Credit: TheCoolHunter

8. The hotel Burj al-ArabLocation: Dubai, United Arab EmiratesDesigner: Tom Wright (WS Atkins PLC), Khuan ChewStatus: CompleteEstimated project cost: $650 millionCost per person: $1,000 to over $28,000 per night, $75 to have a glimpse from inside
Considered, unofficially, the world’s first and only 7-star hotel, the Burj al-Arab is a truly the most luxurious hotel imaginable and hence we couldn’t help including it in this list of futuristic hotels, which also perhaps triggered architects around the world to look beyond the fence.
The tallest, 321-metres (1,053 ft), hotel, designed as a sail of a dhow, is constructed on an artificial island 280-metres (919 ft) out from Jumeirah beach. The hotel boasts of the world’s tallest atrium, which is 180-meters (590 feet) tall.
The suspended helipad on the top adds to the grandeur of the hotel. The lavish interior skillfully mingles the best of design ethics from both the east and the west. The 8,000 square meters of 22-carat gold leaf and 24,000 square meters of 30 different types of marbles give the hotel an enigmatic touch
The 28 double-story floors of the hotel accommodate 202 luxury suites with prices ranging from $1,000 to over $28,000 per night (for the Royal Suite). The hotel also features 8 restaurants, including bars and lounges, latest business, conferencing, fitness and recreational facilities. Carved in the midst of white beaches and the blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, the Burj Al Arab is a dream come true.

9. Foldable hotel pods
The foldable and fully transportable pods are for those traveling geeks who find it hard to shun all the amenities of their luxurious life. You can move the pods to exotic locations around the world and the amazing concept abodes will come with ‘Active’ walls and floors where guests can focus images of their choice and a disposable unit

10. The Apeiron island hotel
The ‘Apeiron’ island hotel is a seven star resort with a total floor area of 200,000m?. It is 185-m high and boasts of over 350 luxury apartment suites. The hi-tech futuristic hotel screams of luxury and comfort with its own private lagoon, beaches, restaurants, cinemas, retail shopping, art gallery, spas and conference facilities. Its out of the world design is magnetic enough to deliver a spell-bounded

The Zone Hotel

8:23 AM

The Zone Hotel is a modern building and set in the smart residential area of Monte Mario, 2 km from Vatican City, 8 km from the Coliseum. The 68 air-conditioned guestrooms all have modern décor and include desks, direct dial phones, Internet access, minibars, safes and satellite TV with pay movies. Multilingual staff on the 24-hour front desk can help with advice on the hotel and the surrounding area. Although there is no restaurant in the hotel, a complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily to guests, and there are many dining options in the surrounding area. Guests can relax with a drink in the bar after a day exploring Rome's many places of interest. The hotel operates a free shuttle to the city centre for those wishing to explore the sights of the eternal city. The Coliseum, Piazza Navona and Trevi Fountain are all within three kilometres. Rome Fiumicino Airport is 40 kilometres (24.8 miles), around 35 minutes drive.

The Empire Hote New York

8:17 AM

Location. The Empire Hotel occupies a privileged location between Lincoln Center and Central Park in New York City, N.Y. This property stands on West 63rd Street directly across the street from Dante Park. The Time Warner Center and the Shops of Columbus Circle stand one block from the hotel.

Hotel Features. The Empire Hotel's lobby features sepia tones, Italian stone floors, custom-sculpted metal chandeliers, theater-style draperies, contrasting textures and subtle animal-print fabrics. The Rooftop Lounge and the Lobby Bar serve international beers, wines and cocktails during evening hours. Indoor and outdoor function space reveals mid-century contemporary design. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. A business center houses two computer stations. Jeunesse "Spas for Life" offers natural treatments, wellness therapies and full salon services. An outdoor, rooftop plunge pool provides rental cabanas. Personal trainers may be requested for exercise instruction, while fitness staff lead Pilates classes. The complimentary fitness center is open 24 hours.

Guestrooms. This 12-story hotel offers 413 guestrooms that pay tribute to Central Park by displaying rich earth-tone palettes. Natural color schemes are accented with leather furnishings. Room décor is inspired by the Lincoln Center's modernistic design. Accommodations feature flat-panel televisions. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. Beds are draped beneath 300-thread-count Frette linens and down comforters. Bathrooms feature oversize towels, bathrobes and designer toiletries. Showers boast teak floors and rainfall showerheads.

Expert Tip. The Empire Hotel is bordered by open expanses of green parkland. As such, this property affords some of city's finest views of Upper Manhattan, the Hudson River and Central Park.

Howard Hotel

8:12 AM

The Howard is an intimate and discreet luxury 5-star hotel which occupies three Georgian townhouses in a super-convenient location in the heart of Edinburgh's New Town.

The Howard is a classically elegant hotel both outside and in, and has just 18 luxury roomsand suites, named after Edinburgh streets. In keeping with the character of the building, we have used rich fabrics, oil paintings and opulent furnishings to make the hotel deeply comfortable, a 5-star home-from-home. You will quickly feel as though you have lived here forever. A key feature of the service at The Howard hotel is the butler - actually a collection of butlers, who take care of everything from car parking to ironing to late-night room service to theatre bookings. You will find them very useful, whatever your reason for being in Edinburgh. The Howard also has its own intimate restaurant, The Atholl. This was originally intended as a dining room just for guests, but proved so popular with local residents - especially for our famous afternoon tea - that it has grown into a properly sophisticated, luxury restaurant. It only seats 14, however; so don't forget to book. Pre-dinner drinks and nightcaps are served in the hotel drawing room - a lovely space with curving, barrel-shaped walls and deep knole sofas to sink into after a hard day's shopping or sightseeing in Edinburgh.

The Howard is also a popular wedding venue in Edinburgh, being able to accommodate up to 40 people for intimate weddings in the Gregorian Atholl room.

It was wonderful - relaxing, welcoming, friendly and with excellent service - everything you could wish for.' Howard Guest October 08

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Pen-y-Dyffryn Country Hotel

7:53 AM

Pen-y-Dyffryn Country Hotel specialises in relaxing short breaks. Set in 5 acres of beautiful grounds it's the perfect retreat from the madding crowds. All bedrooms are individually furnished, several with Jacuzzi baths or private patios, and the majority have spectacular south facing views over the gardens and surrounding hills. The established 2 AA Rosette restaurant offers a varied menu using locally sourced produce where possible, complimented by an extensive wine list concentrating on organic and New World wines. Great hill-walking from the front door and four major National Trust properties lie within a 30 minute drive including Powis Castle. Golfing enthusiasts are entitled to 2-for-1 green fees at Oswestry.

luxury hotels UK

7:50 AM

Whitley Hall Hotel, Sheffield, is located north of Sheffield city centre, just two miles from junction 35 of the M1. Meadowhall shopping centre is just a short drive from this Sheffield hotel. Whitley Hall Hotel is a 16th century ivy-clad mansion set in beautiful gardens with mature trees and two small lakes. The bedrooms at this Sheffield hotel have been decorated to a very high standard and some have Juliet balconies with lake views. Whitley Hall Hotel stands out from other hotels in Sheffield. Free Wi-Fi internet access. Ample free parking on-site.

This Sheffield hotel offers guests the best of both worlds - a tranquil haven with picturesque surroundings, just a short drive away from the hustle and bustle of vibrant Sheffield with easy access to the M1, M18 and M62. The grounds at Whitley Hall Hotel are graced with mature trees - including grand oaks - and two lakes, and are home to peacocks, Canada geese, mallards and squirrels.

All bedrooms at Whitley Hall have all been recently restyled to a superb standard. All bedrooms in the recently opened Parker Wing feature Juliet balconies and the Deluxe rooms also benefit from lake views. Delicious food is served in the hotel restaurant which has been awarded an AA Rosette for its high standard of cuisine.

The hotel building has an interesting history and it retains many of its beautiful period architectural features - legend has it that Mary Queen of Scots stayed here whilst in the custody of the Earl of Shrewsbury. It occupies three sides of a large square which once formed a paved courtyard, closed off by palisades to the front. The ivy covered pillars of the central gateway are still evident at the end of the lawn.

Sheffield and the area surrounding this Sheffield hotel offers a wealth of attractions to visit and things to do. Sheffield has an abundance of open spaces, parks, woodlands, walks and nature trails, making it one of Europe's greenest cities. Sheffield has also been labelled the National City of Sport and it features Europe's largest ice complex and all season ski resort. The nearby famous Peak District is a magnet for walkers, cyclists and climbers, while Meadowhall shopping centre offers some serious retail therapy with over 270 shops plus restaurants and an 11-screen cinema.

This Sheffield hotel has six conference and meeting rooms seating up to 80 delegates. Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout and there is ample free parking at Whitley Hall Hotel.

Sun Rock hotel

7:46 AM

Dramatic, dreamy and seductive, Sun Rocks is an idyllic hideaway carved out of the cliffs of the Caldera with endless views of the azure Aegean Sea and the volcanic islands. Unrivalled personal service, a delightful cliff-side pool and gourmet dining set the tone for this uniquely romantic hotel in the most magical setting.

Vaulted ceilings create an atmosphere of intimacy and privacy with exquisite details such as ornate French chandeliers, antique tables and Italian hand-made furniture in several suites. The epitome of romance is the Grand Suite, with its large verandah and private infinity pool that merges into the sea below.

Having basked in the sun by the pool, take a boat trip to the volcanic islets and enjoy a swim in the thermal waters. Return to Fira and visit the Gizi Manor and the Museum of Pre-historic Thira before dining in the hotel’s atmospheric Elea Fine Dining restaurant overlooking the Caldera.

AL MUROOJ ROTANA HOTEL

7:45 AM

Overview
Ideally located near the Dubai International Financial City and the Burj Dubai, the tallest building in the world, this 5-Star Hotel is just a 10 minute drive from Dubai International Airport. Noted for its architecture, it is considered to be a city landmark. The tropical atmosphere of its lobby leaves a wonderful first impression. The Al Murooj Rotana Hotel received the 2008 MENA Award for the “Best Conference/Convention Hotel” with its state-of-the-art facilities. With its central location, guests can get around the city reasonably well. Guests wanting to focus on the Business and Commercial District, will find the Dubai World Trade Center, Dubai’s International Exhibition Centre, and a number of great shopping venues such as the up-scale BurJuman Centre, and Wafi City. For those who enjoy the water, Jumeirah Beach where you can find the Burj Al Arab, the famous iconic structure representing Dubai, and the Wild Wadi Waterpark. The famous Palm Jumeirah, known as the 8th Wonder of the World is also worth seeing

Down Town Burj Dubai

7:40 AM

Located on the doorsteps of the famous Burj Dubai, touted as the tallest building in the world, stands the 63 story hotel known as The Address. This 5-Star Flagship Hotel, offers state-of-the-art facilities along with quality customer service. This hotel’s central location in the city, allows guests easy access to many of Dubai’s fine attractions. Situated near the hotel, is the Dubai Mall. Upon its opening in Nov 2008, the Dubai Mall will be the largest in the world, housing the world’s largest aquarium and the world’s largest Gold Souk. Also, nearby guests will find the famous Burj Al Arab, with its iconic structure that represents the Spirit of Dubai, and the world-renown Palm Jumeirah, the first of the Palm Trilogy man-made islands, and home to the new Atlantis Hotel with its renowned AquaVenture Waterpark where you can experience a swim with the dolphins

465 GREAT NORTH ROAD, Grey Lynn, New Zealand

7:38 AM

Quality Inn West End Hotel Information

This Quality Inn is located one mile from the Auckland Zoo, and is approximately 15 miles from Auckland International Airport. Local attractions include Parnell Village, approximately three miles away, and shopping on Queen Street, located one mile from the property.

Hotel amenities include a restaurant and bar, afternoon tea, safe deposit box, babysitting services, indoor swimming pool, microwave rental, cocktail hours, parking, elevator, secretarial services, copy and fax machines, and laundry facilities.

Guest rooms feature telephones, irons and ironing boards, free coffee, room service, and free weekday newspapers. Rates are based on double occupancy. Charges for extra adults may apply and will be due directly to the hotel.

28-30 Regent Street, Sydney, Australia

Leisure Inn Central Hotel Information

A well located, boutique-budget property. Clean, comfortable and modern. Good choice for budget traveller. MN1108.

A purpose built, medium rise building.

The rooms are very comfortable and were completely refurbished in 2008, so feature contemporary design and modern conveniences. All rooms have double glazed windows for extra privacy, flat screen LCD televisions with foxtel, individually controlled air-conditioning, large writing desks with plenty of power points for mobile devices, including wired and unwired internet access.

There is no restaurant onsite, however the hotel is situated in a thriving part of town where there are plenty of restaurants and cafes near by to suit all budgets and tastes.

The lobby has been refurbished and is well lit, small and functional, with some seating and after hours secure access.

This hotel is very conveniently located adjacent to Central Station, and is close to Chinatown, the University of Technology Sydney, Broadway shopping centre and many other dining and entertainment venues.

Comfort Hotel Toronto Airport North

7:36 AM

Comfort Hotel Toronto Airport North Information

The Comfort Hotel Airport North is a great value hotel offering comfortable accommodation for both the business and leisure travellers alike. Located across the street from Woodbine Racetrack and Slots and the Woodbine Centre and with Pearson International airport just 10 minutes away and downtown Toronto just 25 minutes away, all in all this is a great location. The 175 guest rooms are equipped with wireless Internet, voicemail, hairdryers, iron and ironing boards, coffee maker and weekday newspaper and have two queen beds that can accommodate up to quad occupancy based on sharing existing beds. After an invigorating workout in the fitness centre why not take a dip in the indoor pool or relax in the whirlpool bath. Guests can also enjoy a meal in the Swiss Pick Restaurant and lounge. The hotel offers overnight car parking and a free airport shuttle (on request to the hotel directly). This property will become entirely non-smoking as of November 1, 2008.

1335 Howe Street, Vancouver, Canada, V6Z 1R7

Quality Hotel - Inn at False Creek Information

The Inn at False Creek, a Quality Hotel, is located in downtown Vancouver, just minutes from False Creek, Granville Island, English Bay and Yaletown. Shopping and dining opportunities are just minutes away. Standard rooms at this 157-room property can accommodate up to four persons based on sharing two queen beds. Other features at the hotel are a comfortable warm Santa Fe decor complete with Mexican art and pottery, an in-house restaurant offering West Coast cuisine, a comfortable lounge and an outdoor pool available from May to October.

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