24 Hours at the Grand Hotel Stockholm

After an unbelievable trip to the capital of Catalonia where we stayed at the Arts hotel in Barcelona, we have had the honour to go to the City of Islands, Stockholm. The flight has been short and comfortable and the pick up from the airport to the famous Grand Hotel Stockholm was incredible. Upon arrival the bellmen brought us to the back entrance because the main entrance was due to open on the same evening (there was a renovation ongoing). The employee at the front office was a bit unfriendly and did not give us the feeling to be welcome. Although he insisted on the fact that our room was a newly refurbished Deluxe Room, he sent us to the hotel room. In fact it was one of the older double bedrooms with a stunning view over the harbour of Stockholm.

 When we arrived at the Deluxe Harbour View Room we were amazed about the style and the lovely details of the 45 square meters big room. The main area, which includes the bed and a small seating area, was in a beautiful colonial style. The bathroom was extensive and modern designed. A big rainfall shower and a bathtub are there to hang out and relax from a stressful day of sightseeing. The Molton Brown toiletries are a nice touch. 

 At the first evening, we did a short walk through the Östermalms quarter and went to the market in this part of the city. At the beautiful little shops, you could buy everything you could imagine from Fruits to meat over cheese and jams to fresh fish and shellfish. We went to a small fish restaurant in the back of the market and ordered a shellfish platter for two. We got a big cold platter with Lobster, King Crab, two crawfishes and two sorts of shrimps served with a delicious glass of Chablis white wine.

 After this delicious dinner, we went back to the Hotel to relax at the world famous Spa area. When we arrived at the front desk, the friendly lady asked us if we want to book a massage. We did not had that much time so we decided just to go to the pool. After swimming in the well-designed pool we went to the steam bath witch was a little too hot for us so we decided to go to the whirlpool, which was so amazing and relaxing. You have to try it!!!

 The breakfast at the “Veranda” was delicious with a big choice. A young woman brought us a good cappuccino while we were eating fresh scrambled eggs. The buffet offered us a huge selection to choose from various meals, such as salmon, bacon, different sorts of cheese and jam. The location is one of the best in Stockholm. You can enjoy a beautiful view over the harbour and the royal palace.

We have been invited for one night by Mrs. Madeleine Brack, the General Manager of the Grand Hotel Stockholm to experience the full "Grand Experience".

With my best regards,

Beverage Executive

48 Hours at the Aria Hotel Prague

Our party was divided into two groups. One stayed at the new and ultra chic Emblem Hotel, while we decided to stay at the more casual and more luxurious Aria Hotel. Never did we regret this simply amazing choice. Upon arrival we were greeted with a smile and a welcoming "Welcome to the Aria Prague!". I wouldn't say that probably this is the most personal front desk staff if I hadn't stayed at so many luxury hotels. Honestly this is the secret formula for a successful hotel - a place where also I will return many times. 

Our rooms were situated on the fourth floor meaning that our rooms are designed in the Classical colour scheme - well, the rooms are not as chic as at the Emblem, but they definitely are twice as comfortable and welcoming with lots of warm colours. The bathroom was large and the tub was huge as well. I also loved the huge shower head - honestly it reminded me of The Savoy in London, probably because the toiletries are from London, by Molton Brown!

The Apple TV is really really cool and we could even connect our iPads to the TV and could hear our Music through the excellent loundspeakers! There is also a turn-down service with chocolate, which was done normally between 4 and 5 pm - guess it could be a bit too early for some people! In contrary to the Emblem, the do not have boxspring beds, but therefore enormous King beds with a size of approximately 2m x 2 m. A very nice gesture when we arrived: a bottle of red wine and a fruit plate!

One of the nicest touches at this musical themed hotel is the afternoon tea, held daily between 4 and 5pm - fully complimentary for hotel guests. With sweets, finger food, hot tea and wine (during christmas time), we were completely in the mood for the christmas markets at the Prague castle, Venceslas Square and Old Town Square - the most wonderful I have seen in Prague!

After all these excellent reviews on Tripadvsior (and of course because we were extremely tired of our 5 hours drive ;-) ) we decided to eat at the Coda Restaurant. Again, an excellent choice! Our menu consisted of three courses and an accompanying house wine, which was incredible! Beginning this excellent evening with an Amuse Bouche, a slice of tuna, followed by Foie Gras - it was truly magificent. I was quite insecure if it is a good idea to take the "Papardelle with Truffle" in December. As you might guess, all my believes were incorrect! These papardelle were simply extraordinary - never had such excellent truffle dish outside the Piedmont or Italy before! For dessert we had the famous Valhrona chocolate cake, another fabulous choice! Honestly all our expectations were exceeded on all ways! Congratulations to the chef David!

Of course we discovered some of Pragues best cocktail bars before we headed back to our worldclass accomodation. At breakfast we were greeted with a smile once again and started the day with some scrambled eggs and omlettes, together with a real Capuccino!

Finally I can just assure that you won't regret to forget the Four Seasons or Mandarin Oriental and head therefore to this picturesque Boutique Hotel in the real heart of one of our Top favourite cities in the world. If you are looking for something really special, then book one of the few Suites overlooking the Vrtbovska Garden - one of the most wonderful baroque gardens in the world, accessible free of charge from the hotel. 

A special thanks to the team of the Aria for being so welcoming and kind!

Our stay at the Aria Hotel Prague was sponsored by Mr. Vostiar and we were guests of the hotel throughout the weekend. Our above written review is our personal opinion and hasn't been influenced.

24 Hours at the Principe di Savoia

This pure Italian Grand Hotel is discretely located on Piazza Repubblica and is one of Milan's biggest hotels. I was a bit scared when I heard that they have nearly 300 rooms but this feeling was gone when I arrived and a very kind bellman welcomed me towards the front desk! Check-in was very efficient and fast, and afterwards I was accompanied to my amazing Ambassador Junior Suite. Of course, I was immediately impressed of the whole interior style of the Principe di Savoia!

Upon entering my Suite I felt that this room is completely different than all other room and suite categories, because all walls were wooden and gave this room the charme of rather staying in a luxe castle then at a huge world class city hotel. Did I already mention that I was arraving at 1.20 pm and I did nit have to wait to get to my room? This was a real exception during my trip (where I also stayed at the Hermitage Monaco and the Majestic Barriere in Cannes and they did not have the room ready when I was arriving)!

Back to Milan, I immediately fell in love with my Junior Suite and continued discovering the gorgeous bedroom as well as the famous mosaic tiled bath heaven! I can imagine that the bath was way bigger then the bedroom but I am not sure!

They also have a shuttle which runs to the center, but unfortunately I did not catch the last limousine departing on 18:30 because I went to the rooftop pool and fell asleep! Some recent guests already mentioned on tripadvisor to extend the shuttle hours, I would also agree, because Milan and its Duomo gets even more impressive at night!

The Health Club on the rooftop is quite luxurious with a proper sized indoor pool at the perfect temperature and a hot jacuzzi ensuite! Normally I am not the work-out-type but this fitness center was so impressive that even I couldn't resist - who would not spot the amazing sunset over a orange sky in Milan?

When I came back from the Spa, which is quite amazing by the way, I found myself in the living room with the most impressive welcome amentites I've ever received! Thanks a lot to the whole team of the Principe di Savoia! Another remarkable thing at this hotel is that they offer Acqua di Parma toiletries in their guest bathrooms and shaving asseccoires by AdP at the Spa, too!

To be honest, the hotel was so stunning, that I just wanted to leave this place all day!
After a very heavenly night in one of the best beds, I was hungry again and had no better idea then to have breakfast at Alcanto Restaurant! The service was very friendly and efficient, the restaurant elegant and luxurious, and the breakfast not enormous but of highest quality!

Try to get a bed and breakfast rate as the breakfast is quite heavy at 45.00 Euros per person! Also the Wi-Fi is not included and charged for 24 Euros per night!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Hotel Principe di Savoia Milano for the generous invitation and I would like to express that all above written is my personal opinion and experience!

Restaurant Check - Innsbruck - Part IV

The restaurant „Das Schindler“ is situated next to the main entrance of the shopping center “Kaufhaus Tyrol”. The atmosphere is casual and the service is average. They have a lunch menu at a set price of about 13 euros for two courses. There are also 3- and 4-course menus. The menu is changing every week and I go there very often with friends to have breakfast as well as for lunch. 

Last Friday I went there with a colleague and I ordered thinly sliced Carpaccio followed by risotto with mushrooms. In addition, my colleague had mixed salad and thai chicken with risotto. 

The quality was good and the portions not large but enough as a lunch menu. The best about the set lunch menus is that they are served fast and the price is reasonable.

Restaurant “Das Schindler”

Maria-Theresien-Straße
6020 Innsbruck

Austria

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.