I was in Kuala Lumpur on business for a week and thought it would be worth trying a new hotel. I had stayed at the Mandarin Oriental before and, while I liked it's location (right next to the Petronas Towers), I felt that it was a little dated and in need of a refresh. Not to mention that it's very large and somewhat impersonal. I joined the Leading Hotels of the ...
stylish city hotels
Chambers Hotel, Midtown, New York City
I've been looking for an affordable and low-key hotel in midtown manhattan for awhile and decided to try out the Chambers Hotel on my last trip to New York. The Tripadvisor reviews seemed decent and the price was reasonable ($400/night). The hotel positions itself as a boutique hotel and is tracked by the likes of "Mr and Mrs Smith" - which, I assumed, was a plus. The ...
Bulgari Hotel, Knightsbridge, London
I recently visited the newly opened Bulgari Hotel in Knightsbridge, London. Having not been to a Bulgari hotel before, I was curious to see how the premium image of this famous Italian jeweller had been applied to the hospitality business. In a word, it is chic but not opulent. The lobby is small - this is London after all - but pleasant. The colour scheme of the hotel is ...
Taj Falaknuma Palace – Hyderabad, India
The Taj Hotels group has obtained a 19-century palace from Hyderabad royalty, who personally oversaw the restoration of this impressive monument. If you still dream of the Raj, here is one way of experiencing it. This colonial, Indian palace - The Taj Falaknuma Palace - offers 60+ rooms of anglophile opulence with European touches, obsequious staff, and, according to the ...
The Chatwal Hotel, Manhattan, New York
The Chatwal is a new boutique, luxury hotel in the heart of Manhattan. $100 million later and the 83,000 sq foot (now, 10-storey), Stanford White-designed building has been restored into a travel destination for the global JetSet. Originally home to America's first professional theatre club, The Lambs, until the 1970's it has finally passed on down to Sant Chatwal - Chairman ...
Principe Forte dei Marmi, Italy and Sky Bar [REVIEW]
Forte dei Marmi is a well-kept secret amongst Italians. It is packed in summertime - primarily by locals - although there are waves of Russians coming in thick and fast. It has all the rustic charm of the region, combined with the Italian seaside. What a great combination. It is well located just a few blocks away from the centre of town and a couple of blocks away from ...
Borgo Egnazia – Puglia, Italy
This is a 49-acre retreat built by the Melipignano family (owners of neighbouring Masseria San Domenico and Masseria Cimino) over the course of 10 years and at a cost of more than $200 million. And it shows! The result is a thoughtful cross between clean (very cream-coloured), minimalist and modern design with Italian heritage style. Currently on offer are three different ...
