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

24 Hours at the Hotel Bristol Vienna

The old grand-dame Hotel of Vienna was originally predicted to be mentally dead, but since the Sacher family took over the ownership, a lot changed and a completely fresh wind breezes now through the elegantly styled hallways.

After a glamorous arrival in the 1^st class with the new Czech Railjet, we were chauffeured by our private driver of Uber, to the luxurious Hotel Bristol on Kärtnerring 1. The check-in was smooth and our Bristol Suite was already available at 11.30 which was a great plus. Upon entering the heavy door of our Suite, a completely different world opened to be discovered. Through the bright and airy entrée we got a first sight of the size of this little piece of pure heaven.

A huge living room with two light-brown sofas, a comfortable armchair, a writing desk with seating arrangements and a TV shelf with a built-in fireplace welcomed one of its first guests. In addition to this impressive area we found our bedroom that we entered through two very elegant sliding doors with gold handles. Everything did not only look so expensive, it really was of high quality. As the antiques, the deco vases and the lamps.

Back to the facts, the bedroom: The bed was extremely comfortable and the curtains did black-out extremely well. Beside the bed there was the entrance to the bathroom, a heaven for all bath-lovers: A separated toilet area with bidet, double vanities, a deep bath tub, and finally – an enormous walk-in shower at 1,5x1,5 meters. Last but not least I have to mention the world’s best bathroom amenities, at least they are the most expensive ones – by famous perfumer Roja Dove.

Although the city is amazing, we did not want to leave our heavenly bed. Fortunately breakfast was predicted to be world-class, so that’s why we headed down to Bristol Lounge and it really was worth the way. I would call it a very selective offer but of really high quality: bread is served in the main area, while all other products, including the cooking place are located in a separated room which is perfectly cooled for the fresh products.

The staff was always helpful and they even gave us a complimentary late check-out until 4 pm without any discussion. So we could enjoy the luxury of our huge Bristol Suite on a lazy Sunday afternoon before we headed back to Prague.

The Bristol proofed once again that it want to compete with the other high class properties such as the Imperial, the Ritz Carlton and the Park Hyatt. We can gladly say, YES! It is our new favourite hotel in Vienna.

Our stay in a new Bristol Suite at the Hotel Bristol Vienna was completely sponsored by the hotel. 

Our above written review is our personal opinion and hasn't been influenced.

Staying at The Grand (Hotel) Stockholm - Part 2

The best part of my stay was of course the Nordic Spa at the Grand Hotel. The indoor pool is one of the most wonderful in Europe to my taste, together with the one at the Corinthia London and the Hotel Europe in Killarney. There were two gender-separated changing rooms with sauna, steam room and dipping pool as well as showers and a small bar. The temperature of the indoor pool was very pleasant at 27c. If this is still too cold for your taste, there is a hot jacuzzi next to the pool at very comfortable 32c. One thing to remember is that the out-of-the-world Nordic Spa is also limited by space and therefore there are also limited relax chairs: a total of 10 chaise longues are way too less at peak hour, but there are also relax zones around the pool which take away the 

After coming back to my room at the first evening we decided to have dinner in the hotel and after coming back to the room I found out that there was a disturbing noise coming from the ballroom in front of my room. I went down to the front desk to change the room, but they told me that no other rooms are available. So I went back very sadly and waited until 11pm until the music stops according to the schedule. In fact it was 11.15 pm until there was no more noise.

After a sightseeing tour on Stockholm's waters with a boat, we went through the market hall, the Vasa Museum and of course we have been to NK, the Selfridges or Harrods of Scandinavia. When coming back to the hotel I watched inside the ballroom and I saw that they build up for an huge event. I guessed that there will be the same issue on the second night. And of course I was right! When coming back to my room at 10.00 pm I experienced noise again. I called the front desk and they told me again, no other room available, that the event lasts until 1 am. WOW, so I wanted to have a drink at Cadier Bar, but there was absolutely no seat available. 

After checking out, they did not take notes about my issues and they only grant a compensation after I complaint about my sleepless nights. They invited us for breakfast one day and that's it. I was not satisfied with this small compensation and therefore contacted the General Manager personally after coming back to Austria. 

Mrs Barck finally invited me to stay again at the Grand Hotel Stockholm and I am waiting for the voucher to be arrived here in Central Europe. I will keep you updated for a new experience at this Grand Hotel and member of the Leading Hotels of the World.

Staying at The Grand (Hotel) Stockholm - Part 1

After some stressful weeks it was time again for me to take a little break and hide away from everyday life. I decided to visit the deep North of Europe, a place where I have never been before. I booked Lufthansa return tickets from Innsbruck to Stcokholm via Frankfurt and from Oslo back to Innsbruck also via Frankfurt. I was very satisfied with all flights, except the SAS flight, where you have to purchase your drinks and snacks, otherwise all other flights served free drinks and snacks, as usual with Lufthansa. Unfortunately the Business Class seats were not different from the ones in Economy Class, you just get your neighboring seat in addition, which is nice but not necessary. 

After a two hours flight from Frankfurt, I arrived at Stockholm Airport, which is originally in Arlanda, 40 km outside of the city center. I took a taxi as this is the most convenient option, which brought me to the Grand Hotel within 30 minutes. The arrival was not very special and I was not even guarded to the room. The booked Single Room was also very nicely decorated and furnished in a modern way with new furnitures. The bathroom was held in white marble and everything was brand new inside my room. Unfortunately the room as very small for my kind of expectations and also the view was not really "Grand"!

On the above pictures you can see my suitcase in relation to the room size. Not really what I expected from such a renowned hotel and from a member of Leading Hotel of the World. After a while I started exploring the city and left the Grand Hotel behind me. On the same evening I had dinner at the Verandan Restaurant overlooking the Royal Palace, which is open to public for free on National Day (6 June). The food was very good for Sweden's standards and the views were just impressive. I really loved the dessert: "Chocolatnepumuk" or something like that.

Hotel Check - Kitzbühel Part I

Just returned back from a very relaxing stay at the Arosa Grand-Spa Kitzbühel.  The weather outside was perfect for a pre-Christmas getaway, lots of snow and a picture-perfect scenery. The arrival at the Arosa is more than stunning, driving through a tunnel until you arrive at the main entrance.

We were greeted very friendly with a hot welcome drink, before we were accompanied to our perfectly situated room.  Located on the 6^th floor of the “Mountain Wing”, our room boasted beautiful views over the resort to the city centre and the world-famous “Hahnenkamm”.

The room was clean and bright with a warming atmosphere. A very nice touch were the welcome amenities, which included homemade Christmas pastries, macarons and complimentary bottled water.

Behind the generous wardrobes, we found ourselves in a sleek bathroom with no-named toiletries, a separate toilet and large shower with three different kinds of shower experiences.  In general, the room came up to our expectations and we were really surprised by the beautiful welcome amenities.

The main reason for staying at the Arosa Kitzbühel is the Spa area, which boasts two floors of pure relaxation. I really loved the enormous indoor pool from which you could swim outside to the outdoor pool without leaving the pool. You can feel snowflakes falling into your face while swimming in hot water and exploring the beauty of the Austrian Alps and the surrounded winter wonderland scenery.

All staff members were very friendly and helpful and they even brought us drinks to the lounge bed on the pool.

We had the opportunity to have dinner at “Monte e Mare”, the restaurant on the hotel’s own golf course. This was a great possibility to have the best duck I’ve ever had.

A perfect day always starts with a heavenly breakfast! The buffet was varied and large, while the choice of bread was simply enormous. The service at breakfast was good and personal, too.

In total I was very satisfied with the service, the design and the provided facilities. 

Travel Offer - Alpine luxury in Lienz, Austria

If you have not yet booked you holiday and you do still not know where to go, we might have an offer that fits perfectly into your summer holidays. If you are unsure to book now, think on your wallet:

GRAND HOTEL LIENZ AND SPA

Package for 2 adults includes: ·         5 nights at the Grand Hotel Lienz in a Superior Suite with 1 king bed, 410 square feet and Balcony Taxes Booking Conditions: Price includes hotel taxes only. Any additional taxes, service charges or resort fees will be payable to the hotel directly. Package is subject to promotional rate availability, and additional restrictions or conditions may apply. If you have specific dates in mind, contact us to confirm that the hotel has availability for this special package. Price includes hotel taxes only. Any additional taxes, service charges or resort fees will be payable to the hotel directly. Price total: ·         615,00 USD taxes included Rate for 5 nights and 2 adults

We would be more than glad to receive your enquiry!
Please do not hesitate to contact our Travel Agency via the following email address to book this incredible offer. If you would like to call us, email us for the number!

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