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Small Luxury Hotels Tips
Small Luxury Hotel Tips
What defines a “small luxury hotel” is kind of in the eye of the beholder. To some, it might mean a boutique hotel with 20 rooms. To others, it may mean a hotel with less than 200 rooms. The one vital thing that makes up a small luxury hotel is feel of an intimate setting, where you don’t feel overwhelmed with guests or large groups.
A good place to look for these kinds of hotels is the Small Luxury Hotels of the World organization. They have over 400 independent hotels in more than 65 countries, which offer an infinite variety of exceptional experiences. Whether you are seeking a classic city center hotel, a peaceful spa resort, a rustic country house, an idyllic private island or a secluded safari lodge, SLH promises to have something to suit your needs. Hotels apply to be in the group and are carefully vetted.
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Falling in Love with Paris
It is impossible not to fall in love inParis and withParis, especially in the springtime. Romance is tangible. The air is cool and fragrant as blooming chestnut trees form a canopy over many side streets and flowers spill from window boxes and gardens. Couples stroll along the Seine River hand in hand. Patrons linger at sidewalk cafes and bistros sipping wine or espressos. And, at dusk the “City of Light” becomes even more romantic as a myriad of tiny white lights glittering like diamonds beneath the starlit sky cover the Eiffel Tower and other major monuments.
A visit to Paris deserves a luxury boutique hotel that reflects the ambiance of the city without the crowds of large, impersonal hotels. When a sense of place, privacy and pleasure are important, the small luxury Hotel Raphael is a perfect setting. Owned by the Baverez family for generations and a member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World collection, this intimate five-star hotel is reminiscent of an exclusive private club or small palace where guests are treated like royalty. Within sight of the Arc de Triomphe and only steps away from Avenue Champs-Elysées, Hotel Raphael is in the heart of shopping, fine restaurants and sightseeing; yet inside its walls, the chaos and crowds of the city seem far away.
Each of Hotel Raphael’s guestrooms and suites are uniquely decorated reflecting the art de vivre (art of life) in Paris. The smallest details are meticulously managed. Sumptuous baths feature romantic footed tubs and colorful tile murals that are works of art. Suites located on the top floor offer panoramic views of Paris. A rooftop restaurant open from May through September offers daytime dining in a lush garden setting with Paris at your feet. La Salle a Manager, the Raphael’s award-winning gourmet restaurant, serves classical French cuisine complemented with a selection of fine wines. And, when it is time to venture outside of Hotel Raphael to see the city, an entire team of Clef d’ Or Concierges are at hand to ensure that a Paris stay is unforgettable.
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Italy Small Luxury Hotel
The Raphaël Hotel is close to historical highlights such as St. Peter's Church, Castel Sant'Angelo, the Pantheon, Campo de' Fiori, the Spanish Steps, the Synagogue and Piazza Navona. The third floor of the hotel was designed by Richard Meier, one of the most appreciated architects in the world and is very modern.
Dining: Eat on the terrace, overlooking the “Eternal City” and its most important and impressive landmarks.
Spa: The fitness center, called "Pompei," has all Tecnogym machines, provided with a computer which allows guests to personalize them.
Deluxe Touch: The Hotel Raphael has a valuable collection of Picasso ceramics and Mayan art and are on display throughout the lobby.
Details
Raphaël Hotel Largo Febo, 2 (Piazza Navona) 00186 - Roma Tel.:+39 06 682831
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Find the Way to Santa Fe
New Mexico is known as the “Land of Enchantment.”This name comes from a rich combination of multi-cultural heritage, natural beauty and creative arts. Tucked into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe is a unique New Mexico travel destination that blends Southwestern hospitality with 325 days of sunshine and outdoor action. It is a city rich in artistic talent. Georgia O'Keefe settled in Sante Fe and many other leading artists draw inspiration by making their homes in this city. Most visitors to Santa Fe fly into Albuquerque International Sunport and rent a car for a short scenic drive to Santa Fe or connect to a commuter flight directly into the Santa Fe Municipal Airport.
On arrival, there are many area hotels and resorts available. Most visitors recommend staying and playing at the La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa; a small luxury resort that echoes the enchantment of Santa Fe. Featured in Architectural Digest, National Geographic Traveler and Sunset Magazine, La Posada de Santa Fe islike an intimate village within downtown Santa Fe, reminiscent of the adobe art colony that occupied the same site in the 1930s.Today as a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, Posada de Santa Fe continues to attract well-known writers, artists and sophisticated travelers.
By day, there is plenty to do. The resort is just two blocks from Santa Fe’s historic Plaza and over 200 art galleries are within walking distance. Active travelers enjoy rounds of golf at nearby championship courses. Taos and Santa Fe ski resorts and white water rafting excursions are also close by. Later, work out the kinks at the resort’s fitness center, in the year-round heated outdoor pool or with a rejuvenating treatment at the world-class spa. At night, dine on signature Santa Fe cuisine at the AAA four-diamond rated La Fuego restaurant. Stop by the romantic and historic Staab House Bar for a nightcap. Featured on Unsolved Mysteries, the ghost of Mrs. Staab, a former resident of an estate on the site, is reputed to make an appearance from time to time. End the day by lingering under the starlit sky on the private patio before retiring to a distinctive guestroom or suite filled with an array of pampering amenities. Tomorrow is another enchanting day at the Posada de Santa Fe.
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United States Small Luxury Hotel
La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa is right in downtown Santa Fe, close to the city's historic plaza, art galleries and shopping. The resort has been featured in Architectural Digest, National Geographic Traveler, Sunset Magazine, and other noted publications for its beauty. It has 157 rooms set on six acres.
Dining: Fuego is known for innovative foods based in the classical traditions. Dine by the fire or outside under the stars. It won the 2006 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and has AAA Four Diamonds.
Spa: The RockResorts Spa at La Posada de Santa Fe includes a treatment area featuring five massage rooms, two facial rooms, and one spa wet room. The spa offers a comprehensive selection of treatments, day treatments and salon work (including complete hair and nail treatments). A heated outdoor pool and hot tub, open year-round, are adjacent to the spa, while a roof-top terrace provides stunning views of La Posada's gardens and surrounding mountains.
Deluxe Touch: The Peyton Wright Suite features paintings from this well-known Santa Fe Gallery. Privacy walls enclose the suite, and contemporary rugs by Packard's West generate a warm feeling inside. The interior features three wood-burning fireplaces, a media room, an antique billiards table, two full baths with bidets, and a private master bedroom with ample space for entertaining.
Details 330 East Palace Avenue Santa Fe , NM 87501 866-331-ROCK
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Québec Small Luxury Hotel
Auberge St.-Antoine, a gorgeous luxury boutique hotel in the Old Port, is unusual in that it has integrated its former uses as wharf, cannon battery and warehouse into the building. The hotel worked with various cultural institutions in the city to preserve artifacts found on the site when it expanded last year. You can see many throughout the hotel, including in your room. And, if anyone in the family is a James Bond fan, ask about Suite 007!
Dining: The main dining room, Panache, has a great view of the St. Lawrence River and serves French-Canadian dishes. The chef use only in-season local products for great results.
Spa: In-house massages, manicure and pedicures are available.
Deluxe Touch: The inn has its own screening room. You can bring your own films or see what the inn has on offer.
Details
8, Saint-Antoine Street Québec, Canada Tel: 418 692 2211
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France Small Luxury Hotel
Château les Crayères has just 20 rooms, 17 located inside the 1901 Château, set on 17 acres. From some of the rooms, you’ll be able to see the famous Reims cathedral through the opening in the trees specially created by Madame Pommery. It is right in the heart of the Champagne region, so is an ideal setting for visiting wineries. The luxury boutique hotel was built for the Marquis and Marchioness of Polignac and its style is opulent and luxurious.
Dining: Chef Didier Elena spent four years in New-York working as the chef of Alain Ducasse’s restaurant and has won rave reviews. The restaurant, however, has always been a raging success.
Spa: No spa on site.
Deluxe Touch: Book the “Discover Dom Perignon” package. You’ll stay in a Princesse room overlooking the park, with a VIP welcome in your room (champagne, flowers and petits fours). You’ll visit Moët et Chandon's wine cellar, the vineyards from the ‘Côte des Blancs' to ‘Hautvillers,' and return to the hotel for dinner at Château les Crayères with a tasting menu accompanied with Dom Perignon Champagne.
Details 64, bd Henry Vasnier - BP 1019 - 51685 REIMS Cedex 2 Tel: +33 3 26 82 80 80
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French West Indies Small Luxury Hotel
Ladera, located in southwestern Saint Lucia, Ladera is 2 miles from the port town of Soufriere, on a hillside of mango trees. There are just six villas and 21 suites at this luxury boutique hotel. Each guest suite was built without a fourth wall, allowing gorgeous views of the island's two volcanic Piton peaks and the coastline below. However, the suites are still sheltered, safe, and completely private. The open wall in all suites and villas leads to a private plunge pool and tropical landscaping.
Dining: Dasheene offers eclectic, innovative cuisine. Local and international delicacies, combined with the view, are exceptional.
Spa: Ti Kai Posé, in the local patois means “little house of rest.” The spa features treatments inspired by St. Lucia’s volcanic history and the lush rainforest that surrounds this peaceful retreat. Treatments are available in the spa facility or in the privacy of your suite or villa. Or try the "Rainforest Massages" outdoors beneath a tent in the spa garden. All Ladera guests can use the Mineral Pools in the spa garden. The water is drawn directly from the source at the Diamond Mineral Baths near Soufrière.
Deluxe Touch: Stay in the Hilltop Dream Suite, with its open living room with views of the Pitons and Caribbean Sea with adjacent open bedroom. You have a private pool with waterfall 1,100 feet above the Caribbean Sea!
Details P.O. Box 225, Soufriere St. Lucia West Indies Tel: 758.459.7323
