48 Hours at the Urban Villa London

After being luxury travel bloggers since not even a full year of operating, we were really excited when we received the invitation to be part of one of the craziest and coolest hotel openings in 2015. This was one of our first hotel openings and therefore we were really excited to review such a new and not-yet-official-opened hotel. 

After a long journey with probably the worst taxi driver I have ever met - it took us nearly 2.5 hours since our landing at Stanstead Airport -  we finally went through the doors of Urban Villa. At least, the cabin crew at our EasyJet flight was alright.

So of course we came to the hotel in the middle of the opening party and therefore were not able to go to the room immediately. We were having cool cocktails, prosecco, white wine and finally one of the best burgers we have ever had - AND: the best french fries, with truffle and parmesan cheese - we just loved them.When we were queuing for the burger, Mr. Hussain (the Director of the hotel group) provided us with the keys. While we got a huge Master Villa (in fact a suite with a separate bedroom, living room, bathroom, and a winter garden), Mr. Beverage Executive received an airy Studio overlooking the main square of the newly built areal called GWQ (Great Western Quarter). It was nice to see the two different room types - so we also had a better overview of the main style and the layout.

The beds were extremely heavenly - we could have slept more than just the 10 hours. One small problem emerged when we were all looking for a minibar. Once we found the fridge we had to experience that it was completely empty. After the first night we found the water dispensers on the front desk. Nevertheless a filled minibar would have been a lovely touch. 

Inside our Suite, we had an issue with the telephone, which did not work yet. After that I would like to mention that the hotel represent the concept "affable luxury" and therefore is more casual with the amenities provided. There are no usual luxury hotel amenities yet, such as body lotion, bath robes, slippers, bath mats, nor a fully equipped kitchen. Some amenities will be changed and added this year, so keep updated. A great plus were the quality of the sheets, towels and toiletries by Malin+Goetz. 

At the next morning we were ready to discover London - naming itself "The biggest city in the world". The breakfast is catered by an outside company and therefore not included. The croissants were good, the juice too and the prices were moderate for a hotel bar, charging two Pounds for a croissant. So there is no bad surprise like in the big luxury hotels in Central London, e.g. at the Wellesley where a small San Pellegrino costs you nearly 17 Pounds. We believe that the Urban Villa will be a cool and chic business styled all-suite hotel once everything is in right oder.

Last but not least - we would like to express that we are glad that we have stayed at so many luxury hotels all around the world and therefore are really experienced in this sector. We came to the conclusion that the Urban Villa is a cool all-suite hotel at moderate prices and proximate distance to Heathrow airport. The design is casual and very stylish - spreading a really urban feeling, so that we sometimes felt transformed to a residence in New York City. 

All in all we had a pleasant weekend in London but we are definitely the sort of people who love to be in the center and might choose another hotel for that reason next time. 

Nevertheless, we think the Urban Villa is perfect for every business traveler needing to stay an overnight due to a connecting flight at Heathrow or young travelers like us, who want to experience London in one week and don't ming taking the tube every day!

A very special thanks to the Urban Villa and NoHo Hotels for the generous invitation for the whole weekend stay and transport to and from the airports.

Insider's Getaway - Cool London

The summer will no longer be with us in Middle Europe and so we have to see the fact that fall arrived. Although summer was nice and even not too short, it's time for planning your next city trip. We have got 94 days until christmas, so you can afford another trip before the annual christmas weekend travels. 

Today we present our top places to be in London, United Kingsdom. The temperatures fall down to 15°c and the sun is coming though. So why not heading to a cool capital to shop some new winter clothes and tasting through the world's most luxurious perfumes.

Corinthia Hotel London
Absolutely one of my top favourite hotels in the world. I am a big fan of the 24 hours check-in/check-out policy which is in my opinion a big advantage for the discerning traveller. The Spa is amazing, too, with indoor pool and separate hydro pool – as well as floor heating everywhere. The prices are moderate for the huge offer.

The Savoy London

This is Londons most traditional hotel and it really shows that it wants to be the Best property in town. In my opinion it is very hard to be unique in London as there are nowhere else so much hotels to choose. I did not enjoy the stay as the price for a River-View room is very high and everything is extra at high prices.

Liberty

The coolest of all department stores, is directly located next to the Regent Street and sells nearly everything from skincare to clothing. They have also their own products and textiles, as well as some luxury brands.

Selfridges

More beautiful than the famous Harrods and less crowded (except peak hours). They sell really every high-end brand, like Tiffany&Co, Bulgari, Louis Vuitton and Prada. If you’re looking for a unknown designer brand, than this place might turn you off.

Covent Garden

One of the most beautiful parts in London with cool shops, small restaurants and boutique hotels, as well as theatres. When you are around there, make sure to see Covent Garden Market, with the Ladurée Store and acoustic musicians singing for free.

What to take away? Jo Malone, Molton Brown, and Espa are just a few brands for the best of best skincare products. There are some less known brands as well, such as Noble Isle, Temple Spa and Bamford. So, when you go through Liberty, Harrods or Selfridges, you will find every available brand, while the non-available ones can be found on Regent Street or around Great Marlborough Street.

Insider's Guide - "Upgrade your travel style"

You know the feeling when you would like to stay at the best hotel in city, but you are not able or willing to pay the high prices?

Then you should try the new hotel platform "EASYNEST". This is definitifely the best way to stay at any of the world's best hotels at the half price! 

Do you still stay in a Classic Room? 
For example, I just found The Dorchester Hotel in London for 200 Euros per night instead of 400! This rate is not even for a Classic room - it's the luxurious Executive Suite.
This hotel does never have any kind of special offers, however now it's affordable! 

Another example is the Four Seasons in New York and in Hongkong where your stay will cost under 300 USD.

The terms and risks:
The only term is that you have to be in the city and in the hotel, at that date, the "Easynester" booked. Of course you can also start an enquiry and Easynest will help you finding a roommate. 

The risk you have is that you do not know your travel partner personally, but as the website was just born, there are only 5-10 users online. So in my opinion there is no high risk yet!

Just try it and start staying at the world's most luxurious hotels for a bargain!

http://www.easynest.com/