Month: April 2017

Kempinski Gravenbruch – Frankfurt

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Knipsel

Hotelchain: Kempinski
Location: Frankfurt – Germany
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: kempinski.com/…rankfurt/hotel-gravenbruch

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All of you know that i’m a huge Kempinski fan! I was so excited to visit and stay at Kempinski Frankfurt Gravenbruch. This upscale five star hotel was added to the Kempinski’s portfolio as its fourth hotel. You really can’t beat the location, located near the city center of Frankfurt the hotel is surrounded by gardens and a huge lake. No wonder a lot of business events take place here! Although the hotel has its age, they recently (2014) renovated the entire hotel. You would never tell that the hotel was originally built in 1967.

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The building itself gave me this grand feeling right upon arrival. The hotel even has a nearly 400 year old country manor with incredible ambiance which I will tell more about later.  Entering Kempinski Frankfurt Gravenbruch is like entering a palace. The lobby area is luxurious, well maintained and gave me a good first impression. Check-in staff was among the best I have ever met. A big smile, asking how the journey was while arranging our keys was a lovely experience. After I was told that we would be staying in one of their Grand Deluxe Rooms with a magnificent lake view, I could not wait any longer and wanted to see it myself.

Kempinski Hotel Frankfurt Gravenbruch

I can easily see why our room is called a Grand Deluxe Room. Decorated in a very stylish way, the room absolutely had everything I would expect from a five star property. I have never slept bad in a Kempinski bed and wasn’t surprised that the beds at Kempinski Frankfurt Gravenbruch were heavenly. All rooms have a minibar with complimentary soft drinks. Rooms are equipped with the latest technology which was not too difficult to use. There are several touch panels allowing you the control the lights and temperature. Bathroom featured an oversized walk-in shower, toilet and double sinks. Turn down service was provided every night, always a bonus!

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You could never get bored here! As mentioned before, the hotel has its own beautiful park with a lake. It is the perfect place to unwind away from the bustle of the city. As the sun was shining while I was there, I enjoyed the outdoor pool area. I was happy to find out that the hotel has a large beautiful indoor pool as well as the next couple of days were pretty cold. At 2000m², the spa area is huge offering several relaxing areas with the most comfortable loungers I have experienced at any hotel, different kinds of sauna’s, treatment rooms, a fitness area overlooking the lake, etc. I just loved it and recommend you to experience the same!

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There are several dining options at the hotel as there are three on-site restaurants. EssTisch is the main restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I must say that breakfast at Kempinski Frankfurt Gravenbruch is a top notch breakfast… One of the better I have ever experienced with everything one could wish for. The extensive buffet even has an Asian corner. Sparkling wine was a bonus! Do note that they offer several à la carte options as well at no additional charge. Their one Michelin starred restaurant SRA BUA by Juan Amador offers excellent Euro-Asian cuisine. I did not try the restaurant because unfortunately it was closed while I was there, but will make sure a review comes online soon as I am visiting the hotel again later this year. Restaurant Torschaenke is located in the old manor. I loved the atmosphere of the restaurant, it offers local traditional specialties. Besides the restaurants, the hotel has several bars as well such as the K-lounge where they serve fancy cocktails in a classy environment.

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Do note that the hotel does have everything for business related stays such as 18 conference rooms each equipped with the highest standards and latest technology. Most of them even have views over the gardens.

I loved my stay at Kempinski Frankfurt Gravenbruch and definitely recommend staying here while visiting Frankfurt both for business and leisure. Every staff member I met was friendly, professional and did everything to make sure I felt special. Highly recommended!

 

Bulgari Milano

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Hotelchain: Bulagri
Location: Milan – Italy
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: bulgarihotels.com/en_US/milan

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We all know Bulgari as a luxury brand, but did you know that they are active in the hotel industry as well? That is right, Bulgari already has 3 hotels and I was so excited to experience the Bulgari hotel in Milano. I had high expectations, but still was totally blown away by this property. Having stayed at many high end five star properties, this hotel was beyond words and I can’t say enough good things about this place.

First of all, the location is amazing. Right in the city center of Milan and within walking distance to the major attractions of beautiful Milan. Still you are in a private gem with all the luxury amenities one could wish for. Guests are treated like royalty here and nothing is asked for too much here. The personal approach is highly appreciated and one of the key factors of the Bulgari Milan.

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Once I stepped in, I was greeted by the most accommodating staff who made me feel at ease right from the first second. The lobby kind of feels like a big living room with comfortable couches and an open fire place. I immediately noticed the sweet corner with complimentary sweets and hot chocolate. Be sure to have one yourself, I loved it 🙂

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We arrived pretty early in the morning and first had breakfast before we went to our room. The Bulgari Milano has a 24hr breakfast which means one can have breakfast at any moment. We opted for the American breakfast. From the freshly squeezed juices to the pastries, I totally enjoyed every bite. Although every hotel offers breakfast obviously the products and ingredients they use here are of such a good quality that I actually was blown away and it set the tone for the next 48 hours…

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After breakfast it was time to explore our room. I stayed in a corner room and again was very satisfied. The room had a great size. No standard furniture here, all items (and I litterly mean every item/product/…) is of such a high quality. I fell at home here which is unique. The room had a nice cozy sitting area with the most comfortable couch. The king sized bed was to die for. Oh and I have to mention that every day a new surprise will be waiting for you. For example, they brought fresh flowers in the afternoon, some (yummie!) pastries and when I needed anything, I just had to dial 0 and a few seconds later they were happy to bring it to the room. Bathroom is very luxurious featuring an oversized bath tub and a fantastic walk-in shower. There are plenty of luxury Bulgari toiletries offered. Another surprise was the wierook in the bathroom, never seen at any hotel and so nice to have!

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One of the highlights of the Bulgari hotel Milano is the spa area. No words can describe how beautiful this place is. It is the perfect place to relax after a day of shopping in Milan. It was so quiet and peaceful… and the décor is unique. Candles, soft relaxing music and luxurious leather lounges made me feel in heaven. There’s an indoor pool, a Finnish sauna and steam room. The spa at the Bulgari Milan is one of the most luxurious spa’s I have experienced, anywhere. Be sure to check out the large outdoor Jacuzzi as well, I spent hours in there 🙂

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Turn down service is provided every night. They offer complimentary anti oxidant thee to their guests which is the perfect way to start a comfortable night.

It is all about service here. The staff is among the most professional and accommodating I have ever experienced.  As said before, after spending so many night at so many five star hotels, it is great to still be impressed by hotels like the Bulgari Milano. I can’t wait to stay at another Bulgari property and will definitely stay at this hotel again when I am in Milan. After having stayed for ‘only’ two night, the Bulgari Milano is my home away from home. The place to be for a luxurious getaway in Milan, I am in love…

Hotel New York – Rotterdam

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Hotelchain: WestCord hotels
Location: Rotterdam – the Netherlands
Classification: 4 star hotel
Official website: hotelnewyork.nl

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Hotel New York is one of the most iconic hotels of Rotterdam! The building used to be the head office of the famous Holland America Line. I was looking forward to exploring this unique hotel. The building wasn’t built as a hotel and that’s why the hotel New York is so unique. The location is excellent, right at the Maas river. It’s pretty interesting to know that thousands of emigrants left Europe and were heading to the US hoping for a better life. By the way, when you cross the bridge, the Rotterdam’s city center is just a short walk away.

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All rooms at hotel New York have different sizes and are decorated in a different way. Each are very comfortable and offer four star comfort such as a Nespresso coffee machine, the most comfortable beds by Treca de Paris and cozy seating areas.

We were lucky to stay in one of their signature suites, the Maas Suite. As you can imagine, the suite had a full view of the Maas. It was just beautiful… I was impressed with the suite, it was very large and luxuriously appointed. One of the nicest suites I got to experience! The typical Delft Blue design is a nice touch, we were in the Netherlands after all! The suite comes with some nice details such as the high chair with a telescope for you to enjoy. What I also liked was the combination of old and new throughout the entire suite. The large television popping out of its closet, the modern bathroom and the most comfortable couches made this suite one to remember!

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What surprised me most at hotel New York is their on site restaurant NY Basement. After exploring many restaurants in Rotterdam, NY Basement is my favorite! I appreciated the atmosphere and overall decoration. Do note that Hotel New York has two restaurants. On the main floor there’s a very large restaurant where guests can enjoy their favorite dishes. I was told that the sea food there is amazing! But let me start with the NY Basement which is more intimate than the upstairs restaurant. I started with a yummie Mojito and then enjoyed the most delicious four course dinner.  Hands down, this is one of the better restaurants in Rotterdam! The chef knows how to combine ingredients and adds extra touches to each dish, pretty impressive. The pictures speak for themselves, right? I would also like to highlight the impeccable service of the staff, not too formal yet not too informal… Excellent! I was at ease and had a great time. Be sure to book a table here, you will love the culinary journey and the most delicious cocktails!

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After a great night in the suite, it was time to explore the main restaurant. I was blown away by the size of this place. Later I found out that 400 people can be seated here. Decoration is unique, l love the mix of ‘new’ and ‘old’. Food was excellent, it is a buffet style breakfast with the most friendly staff. Views of the Maas are great, I imagined people waiting here in the old days before boarding the ship. The atmosphere is truly amazing.

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Hotel New York is one of kind! It is not just an ordinary hotel, but a hotel with history… As a guest you can still feel the grandeur of the old days. Go explore it yourself, you won’t be disappointed and have a great time exploring Rotterdam and its surrounding areas.