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Me, myself and I

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Having a passion for hotels and exploring new cultures. Giving advice to future guests is invaluable. In this blog, I will be writing reviews about quality hotels and I will be adding some pictures and videos. I will comment on the overall atmosphere, the architecture and the interior. A hotel is more than just a room to stay in: amenities such as the bar, the restaurant and the spa services are equally important. Everyone has their own opinion, but I will provide you with an objective impression to give you a general and clear idea of what is awaiting you.

Enjoy reading and travelling!

Christophe Delcroix

Christophe.Delcroix@gmail.com

Hyatt Regency Coral Gables

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Hotelchain: Hyatt
Location: Coral Gables – Miami
Classification: 4 star hotel
Official website: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/florida/hyatt-regency-coral-gables/coral?src=corp_lclb_gmb_seo_coral



Hyatt Regency Coral Gables is one of the best rated hotels in Coral Gables and I couldn’t wait to explore this luxurious resort myself! After staying at many Hyatt Regency properties I had some high expectations and all were exceeded with this hotel.

Once we arrived at the hotel, we were greeted by the most accommodating front desk staff. They do know how to welcome their guests, we both felt at home in just seconds. They made sure everything we needed was taken care of immediately. The lobby area has a grand feeling and is beautifully decorated. It definitely gives a great first impression of the hotel. It kind of felt like entering a palace. With 254 rooms, this is a pretty large hotel but it is impressive how they offer such a personalized service to their guests.




The premium suite we stayed in was large (600 square feet) and luxuriously appointed. Our suite had a very comfortable king bed – really loved the beds – and a seating area with a large comfortable sofa and lounge chair. I loved the Mediterranean touches throughout the suite. Very nicely done. The suite actually felt like a small apartment. Always nice to have so much space. The oversized couch was the perfect spot to relax and unwind after our long flight.




Bathrooms at Hyatt Regency Coral Gables offer oversized walk-in showers, large sinks and toilet. Premium toiletries and plush towels are provided as well.



After exploring our room, we were ready to explore the rest of this amazing hotel! In terms of the pools and common areas: the pools were well kept with plenty of towels and loungers for guests to use. Walking around this place is like walking around in paradise as there are many palm trees! We had a lot of fun just hanging out by the pool during the pool. The pool is heated and pretty large. There are plenty of loungers around the pool and pool towels are provided on spot. There’s also an outdoor jacuzzi and a full sized fitness center which I found pretty large for hotel standards.



After a wonderful night we were ready for breakfast served at Two Sisters Restaurant. This casual restaurant features an inventive menu and we thoroughly enjoyed a great breakfast. Again, service was great and food was lovely. The croissant with cheese and fried egg was one to remember. It was so good. The potato tots that came with it were a treat. Try it out yourself when you’re there, you won’t regret it. For snacks and light bites, there’s a beautiful lounge for you to enjoy.



 

I must highlight the staff, everyone always had a smile and were very attentive. Most notable is the cleanliness of the hotel and grounds. Everywhere I looked, I saw someone cleaning floors and windows. The outstanding accommodations, extraordinary service and the best location in Coral Gables are the highlights of Hyatt Regency Coral Gables! Totally in love with this hotel and I can easily see why this is one of the top rated resorts in the area! Highly recommended!

Cruise review: MSC Seascape

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Cruiseline: MSC Cruises
Ship: MSC Seascape
Ports: Miami (USA) – Ocean Cay (Bahamas) – Puerto Plate (Dominican Republic) – San Juan (Puerto Rico) – Nassau (Bahamas)
Official website: https://www.msccruises.com/

People often ask me what my favorite kinds holidays are. Well, cruising is definitely one of them. There’s no better way to discover new places each day than making a cruise. True, there are many cruise lines these days and it’s though to make a difference, but to me … MSC Cruises is one of a kind and offers amazing cruise experiences. Founded in 1989 in Naples, it is a global cruise line today with impressive ships that sail all over the world.

I was invited by MSC to explore and experience one of their newest ships, the MSC Seascape. Making part of the MSC Seaside EVO class, it is one of the most advanced ships in the industry. It features the latest environmental technologies such as hybrid exhaust gas cleaning systems and wastewater treatment systems. MSC demonstrates its commitment to continuous innovation in terms of guest experience. The company really does. From the moment you step onboard, you enter a world full of luxury. With years of experience, MSC does know how to treat their guests. So let me start…



Our cruise left at the port in Miami. When I first saw the MSC Seascape, I couldn’t believe me eyes. So beautiful, so new and so stylish. I couldn’t wait to get on the ship and explore it myself, but first things first: let’s check-in. Checking in on cruise ship isn’t that hard at all. After some administration, my cruise card was handed in a very friendly way. Finally, it was time to board the ship.

MSC Seascape with 19 passenger decks is a huge ship. With 11 dining venues, 20 bars and lounges and 13 pools and water features, there’s space for everyone to enjoy the ship. The ship has been designed to bring you closer to the sea. What they mean by that is that there’s more outdoor space for you to enjoy compared to other cruise ships. The overall theme of the MSC Seascape is New York City. There are several touches all over the ship that refer to this brilliant city.




Our deluxe balcony cabin was great. It really felt more like a luxury hotel room rather than a ‘cabin’. I totally loved the new color scheme of the cabin. It does feel more luxurious. The cabin has all the modern amenities one would expect such as several USB ports, a large interactive HD television and a sitting area with a huge sofa. The cabin was great to relax and the bed was heavenly! The balcony was large and featured two comfortable lounge chairs. It’s so nice to sit outside and soak up the endless Caribbean sea views.



The bathroom with shower and vanity area was modern and well equipped. Happy to find out they have the glass doors for the shower instead of a curtain. Much more comfortable! They daily replace towels. Speaking of our cabin attendant, he did a great job! Without being ‘too present’, he maintained and services our cabin in a very professional way! Big thumbs up for …!
I must highlight the service provided during our cruise. If we had any question, we contacted the Seascape Guest Service and each request was handled with professionalism.



The ship itself is luxuriously decorated. Each bar and restaurant is decorated in a different way. One of the highlights of the ship is the impressive Seascape four story tall Atrium. With the typical MSC Swarovski crystal stairs, it is among the most beautiful ship atriums I have ever seen. Live performances are taking place each night and during the day. It is a great place for people watching which we all love doing.




As mentioned, there are countless bars and lounges for you as a passenger to enjoy. Top picks for me are the Sports Bar, Atrium Bar and the Loft Café and make sure to check out the Sky bar, which is an outdoor bar. Horizon bar is the place to be for a drink in style with panoramic views. I highly recommend to book a drinking package with your cruise. MSC offers several packages for your convenience. We had the premium plus package which I would call the all-inclusive package as almost every drink is included in the package including fancy cocktails and champagne by the glass. Non alcoholic beverage packages are available as well. Drinks all over the ship are of a great quality, mostly made with premium liquors and spirits.









Cruising is also about eating. We had dinner at the Skyline Restaurant, an à la carte restaurant with the most wonderful staff. Each night there’s a different menu and they also offer some classics such as steak and pastas. MSC Cruises pays attention when it comes to dinner. There’s always something on the menu for everyone, whether you’re looking for meat, fish or vegetarian… Service was just wonderful. After day one, they remembered our names and greeted us each time with a smile. Speaking of delicious treats, don’t forget to visit Jean Philippe Maury & Venchi Chocolate shop, the chocolate creations are not only yummie, they look amazing too.





MSC Seascape also offers five specialty restaurants: Butcher’s Cut, Ocean Cay fish restaurant, HOLA! Tacos & Cantina and Kaito Teppanyaki and Sushi Bar. If you’re looking for an intimate fine dining experience, make sure to check them out. We tried two of them – Butcher’s Cut and Ocean Cay fish restaurant and were really impressed both with food and service. Butcher’s Cut is the place to go when you like steaks. Honestly, it was one of the best steaks I have ever had. On the other hand, the black cod I ordered was amazing as well. The specialty restaurants are smaller and thus offer an even more personalized service.










Kids are welcome as well on board all MSC Cruise ships. They pay a lot of attention to them and have several kids room divided in ages. Toddlers can play around in an area while teenagers have their own space. There’s also Pirates Cove, a state-of-the-art waterpark with several types of waterslides for them to enjoy. I went on three of the larger water slides and had a blast! And even if the weather isn’t that great, there’s an indoor pool.




MSC Cruises are experts in entertaining guests. During the evening there are many artists performing all over the ship. We went to each show broadcasted at the Chora Theater. Each show was of an excellent quality and was very entertaining. But it’s not just the Chora Theater, in each lounge there’s something fun to do. We had amazing times at Le Cabaret Rouge where other singers impressed us while we were enjoying our cocktails.






The fun fact about cruising is that you get to explore new destinations every day. During the day you get off the ship and explore a new destination, in the late afternoon you board again and during the night the ship will take you to a new place. We had four destinations during our cruise. Our first stop was Ocean Cay, MSC Cruises private island. That is right, MSC Cruises has their own private island in the Bahamas. Ocean Cay is an artificial island which was built by dredging in the late 1960s. MSC Cruises bought it and completely transformed it into a paradise. The island is completely surrounded with crystal blue clear water. There are beaches all over the place and even our ship was completely fully booked, there were plenty of quiet places to relax and enjoy the island. Food on the island is included in the cruise fare. There’s a buffet restaurant and also many food trucks where they serve mainly burgers, pasta, hot dogs and yummie french fries. Other stops were Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), where you should definitely go to the Damajagua waterfalls. There you can jump off cliffs and slide on natural slides. One of my favorite stops was the next one: San Juan in Puerto Rico. An authentic town with a lot of charm. Walking around in the historic center is a must do. Our last stop was Nassau in the Bahamas. This famous town is located on a paradise island with many beautiful beaches. It is also a great place for snorkeling.




When you are back on the ship, you can relax in one of the many lounges. But for ultimate relaxation, make sure to check out the Aurea Spa. I had a Balinese massage here and enjoyed every single second of it. What a talented therapist she is! She made me feel at ease right from the moment we walked to the treatment rooms (they have 21 of them!). After the treatment it was great to relax and unwind in the Thermal area. Spa options are endless here: from a luxurious salt room to several types of saunas including a Finnish and soft sauna, an oversized luxurious whirlpool and steam rooms. It’s all there. If you need to cool off, there’s even a snow room. Very impressive! The outdoor deck also features an additional whirlpool. Of course, there’s also a fully equipped gym.








Our cruise with MSC Cruises was an awesome experience. The company offers a cruise experience at affordable rates. You truly get a lot for your money. The MSC Seascape is a wonderful addition to their fleet. The ship has the latest technology feature and offers only the best of the best for all ages! Very impressive and we made memories for a lifetime!

Cayo Guillermo Resort Kempinski

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Hotelchain: Kempinski
Location: Cayo Guillermo – Cuba
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: https://www.kempinski.com/en/cayo-guillermo-resort



Situated on one of the most beautiful islands of Cuba , Cayo Guillermo Resort Kempinski is one of Cuba’s top beach resorts. This luxurious five star resort has only opened 2 years ago and everything still looks brand new. 
 
Location is perfect! It is peacefully located at the beach. It is one of the nicest beaches I have seen. I couldn’t get enough of the crystal blue Caribbean sea.  


 
The entrance of the resort is truly spectacular. You enter the large beautifully designed lobby area and immediately notice the fantastic view all over the resort. I couldn’t believe my eyes, it is so beautiful… so peaceful and oh so romantic. When I think of a peaceful stylish five star beach resort, this is exactly what I would expect. Check-in was very efficient and personal. A nice smile and useful information about the resort was offered and the administration only took a few minutes.  


 
This wasn’t my first experience at a Kempinski resort. I’m totally in love with the Kempinski brand and I had high expectations. The brand is well known for its service and overall quality. When I entered the hotel, everything felt right here. After check-in we were escorted to our beautiful Deluxe room with prime sea views. Do note that Cayo Guillermo Resort Kempinski also has several types of villas. That’s right, the hotel is build up in several buildings and the resort does feel like a small luxurious village. At 62m², our room was huge and the king sized bed was heavenly. It was the best bed I slept in during our stay in Cuba. I loved the lay-out of the room and the minimalistic yet stylish decor.  


 
The semi open bath room has a tub, huge walk-in (rain)shower and his/hers sinks. The suite came with a HD television and some comfortable couches. The oversized balcony offered the most amazing views all over the resort and Caribbean sea.  



There is so much to do here and even just walking around the resort is so much fun. It is almost unbelievable how well maintained this place is. I saw staff working and maintaining the gardens each time of the day. There are several types of suites and villas at the resort. Some of them even have access to their private pools.  


 
There are 3 main pools. The pools are beautifully integrated in the resort, large and very clean. They are open all year long: they are heated during winter and cooled down during summer. There’s a great laid back ambiance around the pool and beach area with a lot of comfortable loungers. No need to put your towels here to ‘reserve’ your spot in the sun. Pool service was great too, they greet you as soon as you approach the pool area and make sure you’ll have everything you need.  




There are several secrets spots to be discovered at Cayo Guillermo Resort Kempinski. Let me share some secrets:  The luxury spa at this Kempinski Resort is luxurious and one of the best spa facilities I have seen in Cuba. It has a nice fitness facility, sauna and steam rooms and luxuriously designed treatment rooms. I thoroughly enjoyed the aromatherapy treatment. This treatment took about 1 hour and will make you feel like reborn! Without any hesitation, this was one of the best spa treatments I have ever experienced! I was asked if I suffer from any pain and if I had any requests regarding pressure. After that it was time to relax with a complete body massage using inspiring oil that totally left me with a calm and tranquil feeling. The therapists were very knowledgeable and kind. Make sure to book your treatment here. You won’t be disappointed!  


 
There are several dining options at Cayo Guillermo Resort Kempinski. During the day we ordered food and drinks at the Blue Bay Pool Bar. Nothing better to have lunch at the pool. At night, we had dinner at Balsamic Restaurant. This unique restaurant offers delicious dishes. The beef steak was one of the best I’ve ever had. You can request the food to be prepared exactly the way you want it. The steak I ordered was served exactly how I requested it to be. Service was so friendly… They will make sure you are enjoying your time here and every single request has been taken care of with a smile! On the top of that, the location of this place is so peaceful right at the pools. Oh, and do not skip dessert here. They are yummie! 



 
Breakfast at Cayo Guillermo Resort Kempinski is something to look forward to! Located right above the Caribbean sea, this is definitely the best place to start your day. We had an à la carte breakfast and couldn’t ask for more. The food options were great and overall quality was excellent. From delicious pastries to freshly prepared omelets, it is all there. Above all, service was very kind, attentive and efficient.
 
Our Cayo Guillermo Resort Kempinski experience was amazing! From the beginning to the end, everything felt right here! Highly recommended for a romantic getaway in paradise! 


Sun Gardens Dubrovnik

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Location: Orasac (near Dubrovnik) – Croatia
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: https://www.dubrovniksungardens.com/



Sun Gardens Dubrovnik, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, is one of the best rated hotel in Dubrovnik and I couldn’t wait to explore this amazing five star beach resort. What is so unique about Sun Gardens Dubrovnik is the personal touch. Every single element seems like it has been curated and vetted to the extent that every experience there seems like you are in a pillow of comfort, midst of tranquility, and bathed in design. Sun Gardens Dubrovnik is located in a peaceful area only a 15 minute drive from the Old Town of beautiful Dubrovnik. 



As soon as you walk into Sun Gardens Dubrovnik, you are welcomed with wonderful smiles. Staff made us feel home in just seconds and gave us all the information we needed to know about the hotel. I just couldn’t wait to explore and experience this place. The lobby area itself is spacious and very appealing. I love the fact that they do take their time to check-in their guests. There is no large check-in desk here, but separate desks where guests are welcomed in a very personal way. This definitely is the highlight at Sun Gardens Dubrovnik – the high level of personalized service!




Let’s start with the rooms.

Our Club Room was superbly comfortable, very clean and filled with all the right amenities for a relaxing holiday. All rooms are of a very high standard and offer views of the beach or gardens. The king sized beds are among the best I experienced. Another thing I really appreciated was the very comfortable small couch. The views on the balcony blew me away… The views of the Adriatic sea are just to die for. This is paradise!





The bathroom was beautifully tiled and contained many amenities, including a bath tub with rain shower combination. Fancy toiletries were a bonus, I am in love with those products. I guess it is all about the details and every single requested was suited. Just amazing!



Our room came with Club Lounge access and I definitely recommend to upgrade your room to a Club room. The Club Lounge is very luxuriously appointed. During the day you can order alcoholic, soft drinks and coffee. Each night, you can enjoy alcoholic beverages (premium brands) at your own convenience.



Every space of this hotel is clean, engaging and inspires you to focus on your well being. The spa is fantastic and is located on the ground floor of the hotel. The place is huge. It features a large indoor pool, an oversized jacuzzi and several types of saunas. A good equipped gym is available too.





The beach at Sun Gardens Dubrovnik is pretty large and the water of the Adriatic sea has this amazing blue color. It does look like paradise here! Sun Gardens Dubrovnik has several outdoor pools, all in front of the sea. We enjoyed all pools. Do note that there’s an adult only pool and another pool which is suitable for families with children. 




Regarding the food and drinks, choices here are endless!

Sun Gardens Dubrovnik offers a wide variety of bar and restaurant settings from casual at the beach and pool to more formal for the evenings. We had a wonderful dinner at The Market, a sea food restaurant located on a beautiful location near the sea. Food here is outstanding and did not disappoint! The sea bass was among the best I have ever had. By the way, at night the resorts turns into a fairytale.




Origano is their international buffet style restaurant. This is also the place where they serve breakfast. Breakfast at Sun Gardens Dubrovnik is something to look forward to. One of the best buffets I have ever seen (and I’ve seen many!). I particularly enjoyed the cheese omelets and freshly baked pastries.



I am in love with Sun Gardens Dubrovnik! The biggest factor for me are the people who work at the resort. The resort is on par with some of the best hotels in the world which I have been fortunate enough to stay at. My senses were completely satisfied beyond anything I could imagine. We were treated like royalty here and cannot wait to return one day. A perfect place indeed!

Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera Hotel

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Hotelchain: Sheraton
Location: Mlini (near Dubrovnik) – Croatia
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dbvsi-sheraton-dubrovnik-riviera-hotel/overview/



Rated as one of the best beach resorts near Dubrovnik, Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera Hotel definitely deserves its good reputation. The hotel is located right on the stunning beach and offers five star facilities. As you would expect from a hotel of this class, we were greeted with a smile and the staff made us feel at home right from the first moment we stepped in. I immediately knew that this stay was going to be an amazing one … and it was … let me tell you why.

First of all, location location location… Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera hotel is a beach resort with a prime location in Mlini, a cute town not far from Dubrovnik. The area truly is mind blowing and is often described as the more exclusive part of Croatia. The World Heritage Site of Dubrovnik is reachable in just 12 minutes.

At Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera Hotel, they definitely know how to treat their guests and service here is on a very high level. Most staff members remembered my name which made me feel like a VIP guest. Every time I met someone, they were all very warm and professional. This is Croatian hospitality at its highest level! Lobby area is spacious and luxurious.




We stayed in a Deluxe twin room with sea view and were very impressed. When we entered we couldn’t believe our eyes… The views are just stunning! Each room at Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera Hotel has a great size and had all the amenities I would expect at a high level five star hotel. I appreciated the up to date design. I love Sheraton beds 😊 The beds are among the best I have ever slept in. It was great to hang out in the room, it has been designed in a very nice way. The view we had was the best we could ask for, watching the sea while enjoying the sun was a blast!




The spacious bathroom featured a nice walk-in shower, bath tub, double sinks and a toilet. Fancy toiletries were provided. Everything was very clean. They maintain their rooms in an excellent way.



There are a lot of fun things to do here at Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera Hotel! The pool area for example is just stunning. This is the perfect place for adults to relax and unwind. Palm trees, comfortable loungers, etc. it’s all there and above all: you can see the sea almost everywhere. Kids are welcome at the Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera Hotel as well. There’s a separate kids pool where kids can play all day long.

A very cool thing about this resort: Shine Spa Dubrovnik. First of all, it features a gorgeous indoor pool. Even if the weather is bad, you can still have a swim and unwind in luxurious environment. Very cool! Of course, a fitness center is available too with extensive range of cardiovascular machines, body sculpting equipment and free weights. Whether you want a serious work out or just a gentle stretch of the legs, the fitness center is the place to be. The spa offers a varied menu with many treatments to choose from.




As a guest of Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera Hotel you are treated as royalty. Staff is there to make each guest feel at ease. It’s not a snobby service, you are treated in a very kind way. Each staff member I encountered was a professional.

The resort has several dining options. Let me start with ‘Leute’. This exclusive restaurant serves authentic local and international delicacies and is definitely an eye catcher! Decoration is fantastic, the way they combined the colors with all the decoration and furniture is lovely. Eating on the terrace with panoramic sea views is a treat! This is also the place where breakfast is served. The large breakfast buffet offers plenty of options to choose from. It’s definitely a five star breakfast!

We had dinner at Lungomare restaurant, their seaside restaurant and is known for its Mediterranean snacks during lunch hours and Italian cuisine at night. Meat, salads and seafood, it is all there and prepared in an excellent way. The T-bone steak I ordered was one of the best I have ever ordered. The lava chocolate cake was as delicious. The Head Chef is a true professional and makes sure each guest will have a great time. We had a table with an amazing view over the sea. It was heavenly! Staff was very attentive and professional. Live music made our evening even more special.

A stay at Sheraton Dubrovnik Riviera Hotel is top notch. Of course, it’s a five star property after all! I can not say enough good things about this resort. Location is great, food is yummie, rooms are luxurious and the service level is unseen. Highly recommended for a luxurious Dubrovnik getaway!   

Disneyland Paris

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After several years, it was time to visit Disneyland Paris, Europe’s leading magical theme park. While we visited Disneyland Paris during the Covid19-pandemic, it didn’t stop us to explore and experience my favorite place in the world. Health and safety are Disney’s top priorities. The measures they take to ensure a safe stay are incredible and much appreciated. The attention to detail at Disneyland Paris is incredible.



Ok, let’s start dreaming again and let me take you on my journey …

First of all, location. The park is located near Paris and is therefor ideal to combine a city trip to the city of light and Disneyland Paris. It’s very easy to reach and I must admit, the place is huge! Disneyland Paris is split into several areas. There are two Disney Parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. The resort offers 6 hotels and one bungalow park. Over the years they renovated most of their hotels. Did you know that the flagship hotel – Disneyland Hotel – where I stayed last time, is currently closed due to renovations? That is right, they are totally renewing this gorgeous Victorian palace. Another Disney Deluxe Resort is Disney’s Newport Bay Club where I stayed this time. I will tell you more about this gorgeous place later. Next up is Disney’s Sequoia Lodge featuring comfortable rooms in a mountain theme. It is like staying in a typical luxurious hotel in an American National Park. The resort also offers two value resorts: Disney’s Cheyenne and Santa Fe. Both are 100% Disney inspired and interestingly priced. Hotel New York – The art of Marvel is the recently opened again offering ultra-luxurious rooms. It is world’s first Marvel-inspired hotel offering the world’s largest collection of Marvel artwork.



The huge advantage of staying at an official Disney hotel are the Magical Hours. Guests who are staying in one of the Disney’s hotels can enter both parks one hour before official opening times. Several popular attractions were opened at 8:30 AM (and yes, we did make use of the Magical Hours!) and we could enjoy many attractions with no waiting line! It was very cool! We enjoyed for example the Big Thunder Mountain roller coaster without any waiting.

Before I speak about both parks, let me tell you about my experience at Disney’s Newport Bay Club. Since I was a kid, this hotel has always been one of my favorite hotels in Disneyland Paris. This hotel is located at Lake Disney and is a destination on itself. Both parks are only a 15 minute walk away. Of course, there are shuttle busses available during the opening hours to/from the parks.
Disney’s Newport Bay Club has been totally renovated and opened back its doors in Spring 2016. This maritime themed four star hotel actually is one of Europe’s largest hotels offering 1093 rooms and 13 suites.




As soon as you enter the hotel, you will feel you are in a seaside resort on the New England coast. From the wooden furniture, to the grand elegant staircase… I just love it all. The elegant atmosphere was very impressive and yet, there’s this typical Disney feeling throughout this hotel. We were welcomed with a big smile and everything we needed to know about the Resort was explained in a very kind way.




The rooms of Disney’s Newport Bay Club are designed in a maritime style with mainly the colors blue and white. Our Superior Room had two queen sized beds, a large desk and a comfortable couch. The small Disney touches such as the suitcase-lookalike cabinet and the wallpaper were amazing. That’s why I like this hotel so much. It’s not over the top, not too childish but still has much character.



Bathroom was comfortable featuring a bath tub and large single sink. Of course, Disney toiletries are available and there’s plenty of storage room.

There’s so much to do in this hotel. First of all, Disney’s Newport Bay Club has the best pool facilities in the resort in my opinion. There’s a large indoor pool with a huge ship play area for the kids. It kind of feels like a ship is sailing through the indoor pool area. The outdoor pool is beautiful too and offers sun loungers. The outdoor hot tub was perfect after a day in the parks. Also available in the Nantucket Pool and Health Club is the fitness room and sauna.



Disney’s Newport Bay Club’s main restaurant is Cape Cod, an all you can eat restaurant where food stations offers fresh dishes. This is also the place where breakfast is served. The large buffet is the perfect start of the day! I loved the large selections and overall quality of the food. A must try are the delicious pastries and the best thing is you do not have to worry about the calories as you will walk the whole day anyway.

Another dining facility is Captain’s Quarters, a beautifully designed bar right next to the lobby area where you can enjoy delicious cocktails in a classy nautical themed environment.

During our stay we visited both Disney Parks. The largest park is Disneyland Park. This theme park is divided in several areas. Main Street USA is the main street leading you to the magical world of Disneyland Paris. This street does take you back in time and walking around the shops is a fun activity. A must do: entering the shops and enjoying the beautiful interiors. Literally each shop is designed in a unique way and don’t you agree that fun shopping is a great thing to do? Also, the music in this street even add more magic.



We were traveling with 2 small boys and you should have seen their eyes when they saw Discoveryland which is located right next to Main Street USA. We did take them into Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain which was absolutely amazing.



Fantasyland is where Disneyland Paris is all about. This place takes me back in time and reminds me of my favorite Disney classics such as Peter Pan, Pinocchio, etc. This always reminds me of not being in a regular theme park. Disneyland Paris is – again – all about details. The music, the décors, … it is all there and maintained in an excellent way!



Adventureland is where the pirates live. A must do is Pirates of the Caribbean. The boys (and not only them, but we adults as well) loved it. The huge Pirate Galleon is the main point of this part of the park. It is beautifully integrated.

And then of course, there is Frontierland which brings you to the Wild West. This is where the Big Thunder Mountain is located, one of my favorite attractions. Make sure to also visit Phantom Manor, my favorite goast inspired haunted house.



Disneyland Park is the most beautiful theme park in Europe in my opinion. It truly is a magical place where both kids and adults will have a wonderful time.

Walt Disney Studios Park is the second park at Disneyland Paris. It brings the magic of Disney TV and film to life across 5 zones. The highlight of this park is the Twilight Zone of Terror, the decorations in the ride’s facade are very good and the queue is worth waiting 🙂  The ride itself is an imagineering masterpiece. It combines a thrilling adventure with excellent special effects, very impressive and a must do when you visit Walt Disney Studios Park!




Other recommendations are Crush’s Coaster, a roller coaster within the Finding Nemo theme, RC Racer and Ratatouille: The Adventure. Actually, each attraction at Walt Disney Studios Park is beautifully constructed and designed.

We loved our stay at Disneyland Paris. We had one unforgettable adventure, and I couldn’t be happier about it! Between the attractions, the breathtaking entertainment productions and meeting your favorite Disney pals, there’s something for everyone in the family here.

Corpo Santo Lison

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Location: Lisbon – Portugal
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: https://www.corposantohotel.com/en/

Rated as the number one hotels in Lisbon, the Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel is perfectly located in the center of Lisbon in the district of Cais do Sodré, a prime area of ​​the city. Major attractions in Lisbon are within walking distance. Speaking of walking… did you know that the Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel offers free guided walking tours around the city? That is right, as a first time visitor of Lisbon, this is the perfect way to get to know the city. I did visit Lisbon as a kid, but couldn’t remember much. The walking tours were great! There are a lot of other complimentary services that are offered to the guests, I will tell you more about it later. No wonder this hotel is rated as the best hotel in Lisbon based on reviews on Tripadvisor!




The lobby is spacious, airy and has a trendy design. Comfortable couches, nice colours and (most important!) friendly and professional staff, it is all there! Our room keys were handed in just seconds… I was ready to explore and experience the Corpo Santo Hotel! One thing I appreciated about this hotel is the fact that there are 79 rooms, they are definitely offering a personalized service which was much appreciated. Oh and I should definitely mention the free cookies and sweeties they offer in the lobby. There’s even a complimentary ice cream machine which can be used at no additional charges.

Another service that comes with your booking at the Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel is a complimentary 20 minute massage. I have never experienced any service like that at any hotel. Each guest is entitled to a free massage. The massage itself was given by a wonderful therapist and she did make me feel at ease and so relaxed after the treatment. Loved every second of it!



The room I stayed in was very nicely decorated and had all the amenities of a five star hotel room. Honestly, one of the best beds ever! They were so soft and the linen used were of a very good quality! The spacious bathroom had a walk-in shower with light therapy, a toilet and single sink.

I had some work to do while I was in Lisbon and appreciated the oversized desk in the room! Each room at the Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel has a seating area with comfy couches. It was just perfect! Oh… and the views over Lisbon were amazing! Overall, rooms are great here!




Another highlight at the Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel is the Sense Spa. For a city hotel it has a good size. The spa area has a sauna, a wonderful jacuzzi (I love to dip into a jacuzzi after a day walking in the city 😊), a great steam room and some sensation showers. It’s a great place to relax and unwind. There’s also a full equipped gym for a nice work out.



Hungry after working out? There are several dining options. Porter Bistrô is located on the ground floor and offers fine dining dishes. I liked the fact that it’s not ‘over the top’, there’s still a relaxed atmosphere throughout the restaurant. By the way, make sure to check out the complimentary ‘happy hour’ in the lobby area. Guests can enjoy some wine, cheese and other small bites at no additional charges, it’s all included in your stay. This is a great time to meet and mingle with your fellow travelers, especially in the Fernandina Wall Room. I met some very interesting international guests and it was fun talking to each other with a glass of wine.




If you are more into cocktails, make sure to check out 146 Bar, a stylish bar where you can enjoy drinks at affordable rates. It is a great place to hang out and again, service is great.

Each morning, I enjoyed the wonderful Corpo Santo Breakfast. It is an à la carte breakfast in a gorgeous setting. The staff will do anything to offer you a great start of the day. It is served in the beautiful restaurant of the hotel.



Corpo Santo Historical Hotel definitely deserves its good name! It is one of the better hotels in the area and you can’t go wrong by booking a room here.

Moura Suites Hotel

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Location: Evora – Portugal
Classification: 4 star superior hotel
Official website: http://mourasuites.pt/


Located in a very interesting and convenient spot in one of the most beautiful towns in Portugal, MouraSuites Hotel is rated as one of the best hotels in town. Évora truly is beautiful. It’s a town where I could keep on taking pictures. It’s great to hang out and walk through the small streets. MouraSuites Hotel has a prime location in Évora. The cathedral, for example, is only a very short walk away, as is the Roman temple and Moura’s Gate Square. There are many good restaurants and bars in the neighborhood.



Now let’s go back to the hotel. MouraSuites Hotel is a brand new four star hotel and offers only the best of the best! From the moment we arrived until the time we left, we felt great. The staff is just wonderful and will do their upmost best to serve you in a fantastic way.

Upon arrival, everything is explained in a friendly yet professional way. Good to know: complimentary parking here! Their parking is at the end of the street, near the church.  

The lobby is stylish and trendy decorated. There are several cozy sitting areas where it is great to hang out and talk about the everyday’s life. Our keys were handed in just seconds before we headed to our wonderful room. Speaking of rooms, there are only 25 rooms at MouraSuites Hotel which is why they can provide such personal service. Each staff member I met was friendly and each request was dealt with professionalism.




I was blown away when I entered my room. The deluxe room we stayed in had a great size, trendy décor and was luxuriously appointed. The ceiling of the room was breathtaking … As I enjoy the daylight, I appreciated the floor to ceiling windows. Standard amenities are a Nespresso coffee machine, HD television and a safe. The small couches are a treat after walking all day long in Évora. The room felt like a junior suite to me. It was the most beautiful room we stayed in during our trip in Portugal!



The bathroom had a nice free standing bath tub, a good sized shower, single designer sink and toilet. Complimentary toiletries are provided in each room. Every spot in our room was spotlesly clean.



There’s a lot to do here so even on a rainy day (although it hardly ever rains in Évora), you won’t get bored. The outdoor pool is a treat. It has a great size and water temperature is very comfortable. Plenty of seats around the pool. There’s also a (smal) fitness facility.

Besides a restaurant, there’s also a bar where we ordered some cocktails. I must admit it were one of the best mojito’s we have ever had. They were d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s. Service again was great! Every single request has been taken care of with a smile. That’s truly what makes MouraSuites Hotel unique. Nothing is asked for too much.

The next morning we had breakfast in the restaurant downstairs. We sat down and the very accommodating staff immediately wished us a very good morning. It is a buffet style breakfast offering only fresh products. They also have some à la carte options such as omelets, French toasts, etc. Make sure to check out the French toasts, they are yummie! The buffet truly was delicious and I appreciated the mix of sweet and salt. There’s just something for everybody.



Our stay at MouraSuites Hotel was wonderful and I can easily understand why it is rated as one of the best hotels in the area. From the personal approach to the luxurious rooms and amazing breakfast, MouraSuites Hotel is top notch and I highly recommend to stay at this hotel when you are in the area of Évora. The up to date design and accommodating staff will please anyone!

Newport Bay Club – Disneyland Paris

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After several years, it was time to visit Disneyland Paris, Europe’s leading magical theme park. While we visited Disneyland Paris during the Covid19-pandemic, it didn’t stop us to explore and experience my favorite place in the world. Health and safety are Disney’s top priorities. The measures they take to ensure a safe stay are incredible and much appreciated. The attention to detail at Disneyland Paris is incredible.



Ok, let’s start dreaming again and let me take you on my journey …

First of all, location. The park is located near Paris and is therefor ideal to combine a city trip to the city of light and Disneyland Paris. It’s very easy to reach and I must admit, the place is huge! Disneyland Paris is split into several areas. There are two Disney Parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. The resort offers 6 hotels and one bungalow park. Over the years they renovated most of their hotels. Did you know that the flagship hotel – Disneyland Hotel – where I stayed last time, is currently closed due to renovations? That is right, they are totally renewing this gorgeous Victorian palace. Another Disney Deluxe Resort is Disney’s Newport Bay Club where I stayed this time. I will tell you more about this gorgeous place later. Next up is Disney’s Sequoia Lodge featuring comfortable rooms in a mountain theme. It is like staying in a typical luxurious hotel in an American National Park. The resort also offers two value resorts: Disney’s Cheyenne and Santa Fe. Both are 100% Disney inspired and interestingly priced. Hotel New York – The art of Marvel is the recently opened again offering ultra-luxurious rooms. It is world’s first Marvel-inspired hotel offering the world’s largest collection of Marvel artwork.



The huge advantage of staying at an official Disney hotel are the Magical Hours. Guests who are staying in one of the Disney’s hotels can enter both parks one hour before official opening times. Several popular attractions were opened at 8:30 AM (and yes, we did make use of the Magical Hours!) and we could enjoy many attractions with no waiting line! It was very cool! We enjoyed for example the Big Thunder Mountain roller coaster without any waiting.

Before I speak about both parks, let me tell you about my experience at Disney’s Newport Bay Club. Since I was a kid, this hotel has always been one of my favorite hotels in Disneyland Paris. This hotel is located at Lake Disney and is a destination on itself. Both parks are only a 15 minute walk away. Of course, there are shuttle busses available during the opening hours to/from the parks.
Disney’s Newport Bay Club has been totally renovated and opened back its doors in Spring 2016. This maritime themed four star hotel actually is one of Europe’s largest hotels offering 1093 rooms and 13 suites.




As soon as you enter the hotel, you will feel you are in a seaside resort on the New England coast. From the wooden furniture, to the grand elegant staircase… I just love it all. The elegant atmosphere was very impressive and yet, there’s this typical Disney feeling throughout this hotel. We were welcomed with a big smile and everything we needed to know about the Resort was explained in a very kind way.




The rooms of Disney’s Newport Bay Club are designed in a maritime style with mainly the colors blue and white. Our Superior Room had two queen sized beds, a large desk and a comfortable couch. The small Disney touches such as the suitcase-lookalike cabinet and the wallpaper were amazing. That’s why I like this hotel so much. It’s not over the top, not too childish but still has much character.



Bathroom was comfortable featuring a bath tub and large single sink. Of course, Disney toiletries are available and there’s plenty of storage room.

There’s so much to do in this hotel. First of all, Disney’s Newport Bay Club has the best pool facilities in the resort in my opinion. There’s a large indoor pool with a huge ship play area for the kids. It kind of feels like a ship is sailing through the indoor pool area. The outdoor pool is beautiful too and offers sun loungers. The outdoor hot tub was perfect after a day in the parks. Also available in the Nantucket Pool and Health Club is the fitness room and sauna.



Disney’s Newport Bay Club’s main restaurant is Cape Cod, an all you can eat restaurant where food stations offers fresh dishes. This is also the place where breakfast is served. The large buffet is the perfect start of the day! I loved the large selections and overall quality of the food. A must try are the delicious pastries and the best thing is you do not have to worry about the calories as you will walk the whole day anyway 😊

Another dining facility is Captain’s Quarters, a beautifully designed bar right next to the lobby area where you can enjoy delicious cocktails in a classy nautical themed environment.

During our stay we visited both Disney Parks. The largest park is Disneyland Park. This theme park is divided in several areas. Main Street USA is the main street leading you to the magical world of Disneyland Paris. This street does take you back in time and walking around the shops is a fun activity. A must do: entering the shops and enjoying the beautiful interiors. Literally each shop is designed in a unique way and don’t you agree that fun shopping is a great thing to do? Also, the music in this street even add more magic.



We were traveling with 2 small boys and you should have seen their eyes when they saw Discoveryland which is located right next to Main Street USA. We did take them into Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain which was absolutely amazing.



Fantasyland is where Disneyland Paris is all about. This place takes me back in time and reminds me of my favorite Disney classics such as Peter Pan, Pinocchio, etc. This always reminds me of not being in a regular theme park. Disneyland Paris is – again – all about details. The music, the décors, … it is all there and maintained in an excellent way!



Adventureland is where the pirates live. A must do is Pirates of the Caribbean. The boys (and not only them, but we adults as well) loved it. The huge Pirate Galleon is the main point of this part of the park. It is beautifully integrated.

And then of course, there is Frontierland which brings you to the Wild West. This is where the Big Thunder Mountain is located, one of my favorite attractions. Make sure to also visit Phantom Manor, my favorite goast inspired haunted house.



Disneyland Park is the most beautiful theme park in Europe in my opinion. It truly is a magical place where both kids and adults will have a wonderful time.

Walt Disney Studios Park is the second park at Disneyland Paris. It brings the magic of Disney TV and film to life across 5 zones. The highlight of this park is the Twilight Zone of Terror, the decorations in the ride’s facade are very good and the queue is worth waiting 😊  The ride itself is an imagineering masterpiece. It combines a thrilling adventure with excellent special effects, very impressive and a must do when you visit Walt Disney Studios Park!




Other recommendations are Crush’s Coaster, a roller coaster within the Finding Nemo theme, RC Racer and Ratatouille: The Adventure. Actually, each attraction at Walt Disney Studios Park is beautifully constructed and designed.

We loved our stay at Disneyland Paris. We had one unforgettable adventure, and I couldn’t be happier about it! Between the attractions, the breathtaking entertainment productions and meeting your favorite Disney pals, there’s something for everyone in the family here.

InterContinental Porto

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Hotelchain: InterContinental
Location: Porto – Portugal
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/en/porto/prtha/hoteldetail

As most of you know, I’m a huge InterContinental fan! That’s why I was really looking forward to exploring and experiencing the InterContinental Porto, Palacio Das Cardosas! Upon arrival, I was warmly welcomed by the staff. They were helpful and friendly with great hospitality. I just knew right from the beginning that this would be a great stay.




The location is great, it is located right in the center of Porto at Liberdade Square. I can’t imagine a better location. It’s only a short walk to the main attractions and many good restaurants beautiful Porto has to offer. The hotel itself is beautiful from the inside and outside. It is set in a converted historic palace. The hotel used to be the Palacio Das Cardosos. The interior designers have sought to create a hotel that functions exceptionally well whilst also providing a homely experience. Pretty impressive! The reception area is pretty large and gives a good first impression of the hotel. It has a true palace look with impressive chandeliers, grand staircases and several luxury seating areas. Check-in staff was efficient and friendly. Let’s explore the rooms…

The room I stayed in was very comfortable and had all the amenities I’d expect from a luxurious hotel. The room was suburb on every level. To start, it is worth mentioning the generous space of the room itself which was a very nice surprise, this factor really did make me feel more comfortable and added to the sense of prestige. Everything in the room is incredibly well finished from the furnishings to the art, styling and décor. I was amazed by the overall quality and feel of the room. The bed was very comfortable which enabled an excellent night’s sleep and added this, top of the line amenities are provided and immaculate cleanliness.



Marble bathroom – again, great size – featured a bath tub, separate shower and a separate toilet. Luxurious toiletries are provided.

There’s a lot to do at InterContinental Porto. For example, make sure to check out their wellness center by CC. I had the pleasure of experiencing a wonderful spa treatment. The therapist was very professional and made me feel at ease right from the moment I entered the spa. She was very knowledgeable about the product they use. I was escorted to a beautiful treatment room where I was pampered for the next 50 minutes. As I suffer from neck pain, she made me feel so much better after the treatment. The personalized service and techniques made the experience even better. I highly recommend to book your treatment here. You won’t be disappointed 😊

When it comes to food, InterContinental Porto has several options. We had dinner at their signature restaurant Astoria. Again, the interior of this restaurant is just beautiful. The many designer elements are wonderful.



Restaurant Astoria has a Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisine. The menu is varied and offers something for anyone. The dishes we ordered were all delicious and refined.
Service was wonderful. Each staff member made sure we had a great time.





Don’t forget to visit the Cardosas Bar! Since we were in Porto, we ordered porto and didn’t regret. The beautiful décor made the experience even more special.



Each morning, a great breakfast awaits you. Breakfast at InterContinental Porto is a great start of your day! The large buffet and several à la carte options are a treat.

InterContinental Porto is one of the top rated hotels in Porto and I can easily see why. From the comfortable rooms, convenient location and personalized service, I loved every second of my stay here and can’t wait to return!