Hotel Nivelles Sud



Hotelchain: Van der Valk
Location
: Nivelles – Belgium
Classification: 4 star hotel
Official website: https://www.hotelnivellessud.be/

Van der Valk Nivelles Sud is a modern four star hotel with a convenient location, not far from Brussels. I have great experiences with Van der Valk hotels and had to try this one too, of course! In 2019 the hotel has been expanded with a brand new building. A bonus: free parking!

The lobby area is pretty large with a stylish design. The reception staff made me feel welcome and were very professional explaining everything I needed to know about the hotel and facilities. I stayed at the hotel during the Covid19 pandemic and was really impressed by how clean the hotel was. The measurements they take to prevent the guests are very good! Again, it is always nice to feel at ease at a hotel and this was definitely the case here.




As mentioned before, Van der Valk Nivelles Sud has a brand new building since 2019 with new rooms. I stayed in a large Executive room. The design looking rooms at Van der Valk Nivelles are very comfortable and offer up to date facilities. There was a nice sitting area and a large working desk. A nice feature is the free minibar which was filled with non-alcoholic drinks. Each Executive room and suite comes with a personal tablet which is handy to find any information about the hotel or it can be used to simply browse the internet. I highly recommend upgrading your room to a new Executive room or suite! You won’t be disappointed!




The large bath room had an amazing separate walk-in shower. Fancy toiletries are provided, as well as bathrobes and slippers when you stay in an Executive room or suite. The room also had a separate toilet. Always nice!



I am in love with the spa area at Van der Valk Nivelles Sud. The place is just beautiful and has one of the most beautiful indoor pool I have seen anywhere! It is just stunning… and it never was too crowded. The water temperature was excellent – not too cold, not too warm. This definitely is a nice place to spend some time with your loved ones. Especially in the jacuzzi. There’s also a good sized sauna and steam room. Access is of course included in your stay. Do note that there’s also an outdoor pool which is operational during the summer months. There’s also a good sized fitness facility. For the comfort of both the rooms and spa area, Van der Valk Nivelles Sud actually has an excellent price/quality ratio!




I ordered room service and tried one of their burgers. As expected, it didn’t disappoint! What a great looking burger! My Cocorico burger had a delicious breaded chicken, cheddar cheese (of course 😊), Brie, lettuce, tomato, onion and mustard mayonnaise. Service truly was very personal and kind. The overall menu looked great and varied. And.. there’s always room for dessert! The Brussels waffle with whipped cream and fresh fruit was the perfect way to end my beautiful day at Van der Valk Nivelles Sud! Again, since I was there during the Covid19 pandemic, I had to dine in my room. Normally, Van der Valk Nivelles Sud has a full service restaurant and bar.






After a wonderful night, I was totally ready for breakfast. As usual at any Van der Valk hotel, breakfast is something to look forward to. Each item I ate was of an excellent quality. The large buffet was impressive. Some surprises I’d love to share are the freshly squeezed orange juice and the Danette pudding. Loved it! Honestly, this breakfast was the best I have experienced over the last months! Make sure you book your breakfast with your stay.

Van der Valk Nivelles Sud is an excellent four star hotel with great facilities. I must also highlight the staff which made my stay very special. Again, the rates at this hotel are very reasonable and do remember that access to the wonderful wellness area is included. Highly recommended!

Château Jemeppe

Location: Hargimont, Belgium
Classification: Luxurious Guesthouse
Official website: https://jempireizen.be/chateau-jemeppe/

We all know that Belgium has many beautiful spots to discover. During this pandemic I have got the pleasure to discover new places in my own country. One place I can definitely recommend is Château Jemeppe. Having stayed at many high end properties, this castle was beyond words and I can’t say enough good things about this place.


First of all, the location is amazing. The castle is located in a small town, named Hargimont near March-en-Famenne and Rochefort. Durbuy is only 20 km away. When you enter Château Jemeppe, 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 Château Jemeppe.

Of course, this castle wasn’t built as a hotel. The castle is of medieval origin. The wings of the castle, double moat and farmstead also date from that period. The wings were modernized in 1739 and 1748, and more windows were added. Restoration work was also carried out at the beginning of the 19th century, including on the gallery and the gatehouse next to the donjon.

The castle has been completely renovated over the years and now is a top notch place where there’s a surprise waiting for you behind every single corner. Make sure to visit the big tower which is now used for conferences. Still you can soak up the history of this place.


There are two walks on the property itself. It’s great walking around the castle and river. I must highlight the fact that the gardens are very well maintained.

Once I stepped in at Château Jemeppe, I was greeted by the most accommodating staff who made me feel at ease right from the first second. I immediately realized I was in a special place. The furniture feels very luxurious and I love the fact that they kept some of the original elements. It is all about the details here. Check-in was very efficient and after I received my key, I couldn’t wait to explore my room! There are 70 rooms at Château Jemeppe. Some rooms are located in the farm house and some rooms are in the castle itself. For such a large building, it is impressive that they’re still able to provide such a wonderful personalized service.


I stayed in the castle (room 10) and was very satisfied. The room had a great size. No standard furniture here, all items (and I litterly mean every item/product/…) has something unique. The room had a nice cozy sitting area with the most comfortable couches. The Asian themed bed was to die for. I loved the décor, this is how every castle room should look like. Walking on the wooden floors added this ‘castle feeling’ even more. Bathroom featured double sink, a large bath tub. Of course, nice toiletries are provided.


Another highlight of Château Jemeppe is the spa area. It is the perfect place to unwind and relax after exploring the area. It is so quiet and peaceful… and the décor is so relaxing. There’s an indoor pool and a Finnish sauna.


Dining at Château Jemeppe was to die for. Since we were staying their during the Covid-19 pandemic, we dined inside our room. It’s such a special feeling when you are served in your own castle room. I felt like a king! The quality of the food was outstanding! The 3 courses they served were delicious. Do note that the menu changes regularly so even if you stay for more than one night, each dinner will be different.


Breakfast at Château Jemeppe is something to look forward to. There’s no better way to start your day with a delicious breakfast. From a nice selection of bread to freshly prepared yoghurt with fruit. It’s all there. Again, I couldn’t have asked for more.


Château Jemeppe is one of a kind. It is all about service here. The staff is among the most accommodating I have ever experienced. Each staff member I met was a professional. I can’t wait to stay here again and will make to choose this castle when I am in the area. The place to be for a luxurious getaway.

B&B Ter Wallen


Location: Izegem, Belgium
Classification: Luxurious Guesthouse
Official website: https://www.terwallen.com/nl/



B&B Ter Wallen  is a top notch high class château-B&B located in Izegem, a beautiful town in Belgium. From what I had heard from others, this B&B is a jewel and it truly is…



You can’t beat the location. The surrounding areas are just gorgeous. I fell in love with the domain the B&B is located on. The gardens are so well maintained and it is oh so peaceful. We walked around the property and couldn’t hear a thing, except the birds. It’s great to be able to walk around, enjoy the beautiful nature and exploring the area.

The B&B itself is very stylish and cozy decorated. We were welcomed by the most friendly host. This is Belgian hospitality and we loved it! Laurence is a professional. She’s very kind and made us feel at home from the moment we stepped in. The authentic atmosphere throughout the hotel is impressive and much appreciated. B&B Ter Wallen recently opened its doors and they did an amazing job by renovating this small castle to an up to date accommodation. I must definitely mention that each inch of this place is immaculately clean!



The main room is very comfortable and equipped with comfortable lounge salons and a cozy fire place. There’s an honesty bar with a good choice of beverages. The prices are pretty affordable.


B&B Ter Wallen has comfortable 6 rooms, all very stylish decorated with an eye for details. We stayed in room Polydor and it was absolutely stunning! What a great room this was with an amazing view of the garden. The room had all the facilities I expect from a high class hotel such as the Nespresso coffee machine and a very comfortable bed.




Bathroom was spacious and featured a beautiful sink with shower. Fluffy bathrobes and towels are available as well, labeled with their own logo, loved it! I must highlight the quality of the rain-shower. Water pressure and temperature are very easily controllable. Stella Maris toiletries were a treat, by the way! 



Eperon d’Or is their family suite, located on the top floor. This suite has its own sitting and dining area and is the best choice if you are traveling with children. It has two floors and on the top floor – right under the roof – there are 4 single beds which is ideal for families with kids.

Another highlight at B&B Ter Wallen is the outdoor swimming pool which is open during spring and summer. Also, there’s a ‘summer bar’ during those months where guests can enjoy drinks and small bites while listening to music. The perfect night to spend with your friends. Again, the surroundings are gorgeous.




Laurence knows how to cook! At night, she prepared a traditional spaghetti bolognaise and a hot casserole with potatoes, chicken and stewed apples. We loved every single bite.

After a wonderful night in our comfortable room, we were ready for breakfast. Having breakfast at B&B Ter Wallen is something to look forward to! Laurence prepares every single item in a very professional way. The bread and pastries selection are of a very good quality. It is always nice to start your day with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. Even pancakes, freshly prepared eggs, etc. It’s all there. All of this comes with delicious coffee or thee.



I was very impressed with B&B Ter Wallen and highly recommend staying there for a romantic getaway. You actually don’t have to leave the B&B, there’s so much to do. I will be back for sure!

Burj Al Arab – Dubai

1

Hotelchain: Jumeirah
Location: Dubai – UAE
Classification: 5 star hotel deluxe (some say world’s only 7 star hotel)
Official websitehttp://www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/burj-al-arab/

2

Internationally renowned as world’s most luxurious hotel, I had the opportunity to experience the famous Burj Al Arab in Dubai. It is located on a man-made island, 280 meters from the Jumeirah beach. It is the flagship of the Jumeirah hotel group.  Only hotel guests (or guests with a reservation in one of the restaurants) can enter the hotel, so there is no sightseeing here.  This is a good thing, as I saw a number of people at the front gate taking pictures of the hotel.

5
3

Location

Located at Jumeirah beach, Burj Al Arab is located between Dubai Marina and Business Bay. There’s a holiday vibe around the area.

When I approached the entrance, I was impressed with the height of the hotel… 321 meters above sea level… Trust me, it is HUGE!  As soon as you enter the Burj Al Arab, you will enter in a completely different world.  I truly was blown away… Gold everywhere.  It is reportedly the only 7 star hotel in the world and I can easily understand why.  After taking the escalator — with a huge aquarium – you can look up 200 meters. A lot of looking up!  Did you know that the Statue of Liberty would fit inside?  Also, there are dancing fountains all over the place with tons of different programs, so you’ll never get bored when watching!

17

The suites

There are no rooms in the Burj al Arab, only suites. Starting at 170m² (1,829 sq. ft.), all of the rooms are duplex suites, each with the highest level of comfort one could wish for.  The Burj has 1600 staff members looking over “only” 202 suites.  So that’s… eight members for each suite? Yep! There is a private check-in and butler service for each suite. No waiting times here at the reception. They explain everything you need to know and will do anything you ask — like making reservations in one of the restaurants, booking day trips to the city, making sure you will get the dessert you want, etc.

Every suite in the Burj Al Arab is beautifully decorated. Although the hotel opened back in 1999, the suites look very up to date and brand new. From the marble entrance with large staircase to the oversized living rooms, you will feel like a king or queen while walking around. They have the world’s most expensive mattresses, which can be adapted to customer needs and preferences. These things are making this hotel truly unique; returning guests are assured they will have a wonderful night.

19
21
20

The bathrooms are huge — they used Italian marble – and you will be so relaxed after spending some time in the oversized jacuzzi.  Oh, a great thing: did you know that Hermès produced a special edition of perfume for the Burj Al Arab?  That is right, full-size Hermès Burj Al Arab amenities (female + male) are offered to guests at no additional charge. Of course, you could take them home as a souvenir.

12
13

Spa facilities

A full spa – the Talise Spa – is located on one of the top floors. I was not able to take pictures of the spa area, but there is an indoor pool, jacuzzi, fitness, etc. Several treatments are offered and after a relaxing massage you can relax in the spa resting area, accessible for guests only, of course. From there, you can look straight down (200 meters!) to the ground level. Very impressive and not recommended when afraid of heights 🙂

Spa treatments are excellent! They exactly know how to make you feel at ease and so relaxed. Just tell them which pressure you prefer and you will enjoy every single minute. The soft music all over the place made it even more relaxing.

23
18
25

There is also an outdoor pool area — and the Burj has its own beach across the bridge. The recently opened Terrace is stunning! For water fun, there is complimentary access to the Wild Wadi Waterpark, which is located across the bridge.

24

The famous Burj Al Arab hotel is one of Dubai’s highlights and one of world’s best hotels… The hotel’s immaculate reputation is well earned and you will be impressed with every aspect of your stay!

Royal Savoy – Lausanne



Location: Lausanne – Switzerland
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: https://www.royalsavoy.ch/en



Do you know the feeling when you walk into a hotel and immediately feel at home? I had this feeling at Royal Savoy Hotel! This top notch five star hotel only opened 5 years ago after a full renovation and definitely is one of my favorite hotels in Switzerland! The hotel is located on one of the prime locations in Lausanne. I explored the neighborhood and was surprised that Lake Leman is only a few steps away. All major things you should visit in Lausanne such as the Olympic park and museum are within walking distance. The friendly concierge gave me a map and some helpful tips on things I needed to see.

As mentioned before, I was impressed with this hotel right from the beginning. From the outside, Royal Savoy Hotel looks like a fairytale palace. The building is mind blowing! From the inside, the gorgeous lobby area is impressive with all its art work. This hotel is decorated with eye for detail. The grand central chandelier is impressive and is the key factor in the lobby area. I could spend a whole day here, lounging in one of the luxurious salons…



Everything is translated in the feel of 17th and 18th century luxury hotels combined with an up to date and trendy décor. Trust me, this is not just an ordinary hotel. It definitely is an Instagrammable place! From the luxurious glassed hallways to the Japanese garden retreats. Each inch resembles pure luxury.




Each room at the Royal Savoy Hotel is large and luxuriously appointed. All the amenities I would expect from a five star luxury hotel were there such as coffee making facilities and high quality furnishings. The bed was heavenly! I really appreciated the overall décor and style of the room with its wooden floors.




Marble bathroom was very large featuring a bathtub, a large walk-in (rain)shower and fancy Bulgari toiletries. Very luxurious bathroom! They are my favorite!




During our stay I explored the Spa du Royal, the one of a kind spa area at Royal Savoy Hotel! I was blown away. This spa area is ultra luxurious and guarantees a relaxed and exciting experience! An amazing indoor and outdoor pool, sauna, steam room, etc. It’s all there and maintained perfectly! For me, Spa du Royal is definitely one of the key factors of the hotel. At 1500 m², it is HUGE! There’s also a full fitness facility with the most up to date equipment. Although I didn’t experience a spa treatment myself, there’s an extensive menu to choose from! I bet the treatments are top notch!





Another highlight at the Royal Savoy Hotel is La Brasserie Du Royal, a fine dining restaurant with recipes from the region. This is also the place where they serve breakfast. Speaking of design, I’d rate this restaurant 10/10. It’s a beautiful restaurant. The quality of the food truly is outstanding! I received my eggs exactly as requested. Service was absolutely great!


A more casual experience would be the beautiful Lobby Lounge where they serve aperitifs and snacks in style.



I can’t say enough good things about the Royal Savoy Hotel. This well designed hotel is one of the most luxurious hotels in town with an intimate yet stylish design. This is not a hotel just for business travelers, also leisure travelers will appreciate the unique prime location and facilities. No wonder Royal Savoy Hotel is one of the best rated hotels in the area. Can’t wait to return to this jewel!

Hotel de Rougemont




Location: Rougemont – Switzerland
Classification: 4 Superior Hotel
Official websitehttps://hotelderougemont.com/

Hotel de Rougemont is a modern exclusive four star superior hotel in Rougemont. Located in the upper part of this cute town, the hotel offers stunning views over the Swiss Alps. The building itself is gorgeous with wooden details. The building gave me a true Swiss feeling. It is beautiful.




The reception staff made us feel welcome and were very professional explaining everything we needed to know about the hotel and facilities. I spent a little time in the lobby area by the lovely open fire place and was pretty fascinated with how many staff members the hotel has. And the best part: each staff member is friendly and will do their upmost best to serve you in an excellent way



We stayed in one of their Prestige Suites. I couldn’t have asked for a better room! It was mind blowing! The suite was very comfortable. It had a separate bedroom with king sized bed and a living room with comfortable couch. I appreciated the art in the room, it’s all about the details. The balcony offered panoramic views. I could have spent hours here reading a book. The thing I like about this place is the wooden touches which are noticeable throughout the entire hotel.






The suite came with two bathrooms: one with a bath tub and the other with an oversized walk-in (rain)shower. Fancy NUXE toiletries are offered.



I am in love with the NUXE Spa Area at Hotel de Rougemont. The place is just beautiful and has a beautiful indoor pool, sauna and steam room. While the hotel was nearly fully booked, it never was too crowded. The water temperature was excellent – not too cold, not too warm. This definitely is a nice place to spend some time with your loved ones after spending a day in the mountains. The adjoining fitness facility has up to date equipment and is quite large.




Another very cool feature at Hotel de Rougemont is the movie theatre room. That is right, they have a mini cinema in their hotel where you can watch great movies and documentaries in a comfy chair.

Other comfy chairs can be found on the large terrace overlooking the gorgeous mountains. It was great hanging out here!



We had dinner at Restaurant Le Roc, their signature restaurant and it didn’t disappoint! What a great looking restaurant with top notch service! Service truly was very personal and kind. The menu looked great and we thoroughly enjoyed our dinner here! To be honest, the beef we ordered was one of the best ever! It was just delicious and exactly prepared as requested. Another must try is the meringue which came with double cream. It was to die for!!






Le Roc is also the place where breakfast is served. It truly is a great start of the day! Choices are endless and the food was of a very good quality.

Hotel de Rougemont is an impressive mountain styled hotel with luxurious rooms. Service is high level. The surrounding areas are wonderful. Highly recommended!

Hilton Vienna Park



 
Hotelchain: Hilton
Location: Vienna – Austria
Official website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/viehitw-hilton-vienna-park/



Hilton Vienna Park has recently undergone a complete make-over and truly is a hotel with a very good location in breautiful Vienna. You really can’t beat this location as it is within walking distance of the major attractions that this beautiful city has to offer. Right across the hotel is Wiener Stadtpark, the largest park in the city. Make sure to visit it, it is great for a nice walk or work out. Another must see is the Vienna State Opera which is just 1 km away from the hotel. Oh, and do not forget to visit Palace Schönbrunn. It’s only 15 minutes away from the hotel.

When I entered this hotel, I was blown away by the beautiful entrance and lobby area. This gave me a great first impression of the hotel. The lobby area is very large and luxuriously appointed with comfortable sitting areas all over the place. I appreciated the trendy and stylish look. It really is the perfect combination. Everything looked brand new and very well maintained.





Check-in was great and all the information was given in an efficient way



Hilton Vienna Park is a pretty large hotel and offers comfortable 663 rooms at very affordable rates. The contemporary rooms are decorated with high quality materials. The room had all the facilities I needed for a comfortable stay. We stayed in an executive room and had a great night’s sleep. The king-sized Hilton Serenity bed was very comfortable. Absolutely loved the mattress! There was also a comfy chair and an oversized working desk which makes this hotel ideal for both business and leisure travelers. Everything in the room was immaculately clean!




Modern bathroom had a great walk-in shower, single sink and toilet.



We had access to the executive lounge with is located on one of the lower floors. The executive lounge offers complimentary soft and hot drink throughout the day and some light snacks such as cookies and fruit. At night, a small buffet is offered with several hot items. It is a great value and you don’t have to leave the hotel to have dinner. They also serve alcoholic beverages such as wine and beer. Once again, do consider an upgrade with access to the lounge. Service was top notch by the way! It lounge itself has a trendy look and is really spacious.



The gym at Hilton Vienna Park is quite large and has up to date equipment. For ultimate relaxation, make sure to check out the Spa with sauna and steam room.



There are several dining options at Hilton Vienna Park. From in room dining to a fancy restaurant, it is all there. We totally enjoyed our visit at Selleny’s Bar. This bar is beautifully integrated in the lobby area and offers yummie cocktails. Make sure to try to out the New-Jito, their inhouse Mojito with fresh raspberry puree. I must highlight the level of service. The staff was pretty efficient and very knowledgeable about each drink.



Hilton Vienna Park is a jewel in Vienna. I was really impressed with the beautiful renovated and up to date interiors. Most importantly at any hotel is the service. Each staff member we met was very helpful and professional. Definitely one of my favorite hotels in beautiful Vienna! Highly recommended!

Lyra Hotel Plitvice

1

Location: Licko Petrovo Selo– Croatia
Classification: 4 star hotel
Official websitehotelplitvice.com

20200818_123115

Located in a very interesting and convenient spot near the world famous Plitvice National Park, Lyra Hotel Plitvice is rated as one of the best hotels in the area. The hotel is only a short drive away from Plitvice National Park. If you are visiting Croatia, a visit to this National Park is a must do! It is one of the most beautiful nature parks I have ever seen. Walking around in the park is like walking in paradise. The water features are mind blowing! Also good to know is the nearby military underground airport Zeljava. This Airbase is only a few kilometers away from the hotel and we were pretty impressed.

Now let’s go back to the hotel. Lyra is a brand new four star hotel and offers only the best of the best! From the moment we arrived untill 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.

20200810_145148

Upon arrival, everything is explained in a friendly yet professional way. Good to know: complimentary parking here!

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 58 rooms at Lyra Hotel Plitvice which is why they can provide such personal service. Each staff member I met was friendly and each request was dealt with professionalism.

20200810_152350

The superior room we stayed in had a great size, trendy décor and is comfortably appointed. I enjoy the daylight and appreciated the floor to ceiling windows. Standard amenities are a Nespresso coffee machine, HD television and a safe. The small couch is a treat after walking all day long in Plitvice. The in room telescope was a fun feature which I loved very much!

20200818_121051
20200818_121126

The bathroom had a nice sized shower, single sink and toilet. Fancy Rituals toiletries are provided in each room. Every spot in our room was spotlesly clean.

20200818_123634

We were booked in half board. The food here is delicious! Did you know that the hotel invited elderly ladies from the village who cooked for the first visitors to the park to teach the hotel’s chefs how to prepare the traditional local dishes. Again, the service provided was top notch!

20200818_121308

The next morning we had breakfast in the restaurant downstairs. Usually, it is a buffet style breakfast offering only fresh products. The time we were there it was during Covid and that’s why they served an à la carte breakfast at that time. We sat down and the very accommodating staff immediately wished us a very good morning. The mini buffet they offered at each guest truly was delicious and I appreciated the mix of sweet and salt. There’s just something for everybody.

20200818_121333

There’s a lot to do here so even on a rainy day, you won’t get bored. The fitness center is fully equiped. If you are not into working out, the wellness area with sauna and a spa menu is something for you. Especially after a day of walking in Plitvice, this is a treat!

20200811_110224

Our stay at Lyra Hotel Plitvice 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 comfortable rooms and amazing breakfast, Lyra Hotel Plitvice is top notch and I highly recommend to stay at this hotel when you are in the area of Plitvice national park. The up to date design and accommodating staff will please anyone!

Esplanade Zagreb

3

Location: Zagreb – Croatia
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official websiteesplanade.hr

20200818_114953

The famous five star Esplanade Zagreb is one of the very best hotels Zagreb has to offer! When we arrived, we were wowed by the beautiful building. It is such an amazing building… Since its opening in 1925, the hotel has been the most prestigious hotel in town, even in Croatia and I can tell why …

Let’s first speak about location. Esplanade Zagreb has a prima location in Zagreb. The most interesting sights are reachable within walking distance. I appreciated the fact that the hotel is located right outside the busy city center.

When they open the doors for you, you will be amazed by the most amazing lobby area. I immediately felt the grand feeling of this place which is unique. Did you know that Esplanade means ‘field’? They named the hotel that way as it was built on a vast plain to the west of the station. In the early days, the hotel was used for an elegant stopover for passengers traveling on the Orient Express.

20200808_181545
20200818_114628

We were welcomed with a smile. The staff was so accommodating and professional. No impersonal check-in here, they do take their time to explain everything while we were seated in some very comfortable couches.

Again, the lobby area is spectacular. One thing I truly appreciated about the Esplanade Zagreb is that they kept almost every detail of the past, such as the beautiful grand staircase in the lobby. Walking around in this hotel is like walking in a grand castle. Behind every corner, a new surprise is waiting for you.

20200818_120406

We stayed in a Deluxe Suite and trust me, they are amazingly decorated with plenty of space! It has a separate living area with comfy couches and an oversized working desk. The bedroom had the best king sized bed ever!

20200818_114537
20200818_114510

The marble bathroom had a good size and featured bath tub, toilet and a large shower with rain head. Amazing full size deluxe L’Occitane toiletries here and dental and saving kits are provided for your convenience. Loved it!

20200818_114445

On the lower level there is a full spa center with gym. If you are into relaxation, the use of the sauna and relaxing area is complimentary. For ultimate relaxation, you can book a spa treatment from the large spa menu.

20200818_114842

Esplanade Zagreb has several dining options, from casual dining to more formal. We thoroughly enjoyed a wonderful afternoon tea at Esplanade Bar 1925. The weather was great when we were there so we were seated on the gorgeous terrace overlooking the stunning building of the Esplanade Zagreb. The food was prepared and presented in a very nice way. Sparkling wine and tea are included. The sandwiches and sweets were of a great quality. Highly recommended for an exclusive afternoon treat!

20200808_211912
20200809_101554
20200818_114802

Zinfandel’s is Esplanade’s signature restaurant. Although we didn’t had dinner here, I only read and heard good things about this place. Next time, I’ll definitely check it out myself!

From the moment we walked in the door, until we stepped into our car heading home, everything was perfect here at the Esplanade Zagreb! Highly recommended for a luxurious getaway in Zagreb!

 

Brown Beach house

2

Hotelchain: Brown Hotels
Location
: Trogir – Croatia
Classification: 4 star hotel
Official websitebrownhotels.com/croatia

1

Let me present one of the cutest towns in Croatia: Trogir. While we were visiting Trogir, we stayed at one of the best hotels in town: the Brown Beach House.

I got the chance to explore this jewel in Trogir. It is a high class four star hotel and I was impressed, let me tell you why… First of all, the Brown Beach House is perfectly located near the center of beautiful Trogir. This boutique hotel has been designed with style. I could take pictures of this place forever, it is so beautiful and totally up to date.

20200818_111230

The lobby area is spacious and stylish full with modern art. Staff was very professional and check-in was done within a few minutes. It was bloody hot that day and they immediately offered a glass of sparkling wine which was very much appreciated. They also gave us a small city map of Trogir at check-in with all the information you need to know when exploring this beautiful city.

20200818_110930
20200812_144836
20200812_193808

Rooms at the Brown Beach House are luxuriously appointed and the feel brand new! Again, the mix new/old was very appealing. Our suite had a living area with comfy couches. The bedroom has heavenly beds. Truly, the beds are amazing. Again, the décor is very nice. It’s all about the details at the Brown Beach House, from the wooden floors to the great art work… the nautical theme is noticeable throughout the entire hotel.

20200812_134521
20200812_193258
20200818_110835

The bathroom featured a large vanity sink, toilet and a nice bath tub. Water pressure is excellent for the shower and complimentary toiletries are of an awesome quality.

20200812_132245

Again, after every corner you will find something interesting. I was walking through the hotel and suddenly found out some art work that I actually wanted to buy for my home. I loved it that much! 😊

20200812_145719

Besides all the beauty and design, the Brown Beach House offers a full spa area with nicely equipped fitness center. The spa area is the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring Trogir! A large sauna, hammam and ice fountain are there to enjoy. The place was immaculately clean. Bathrobes are in the room, by the way.

20200818_111119
20200818_111038
20200818_111205

I thoroughly enjoyed a spa treatment here. The whole experience was very pleasant and ultra relaxing. The massage rooms are nicely decorated and offer a relaxed atmosphere. The therapist did an excellent job. After the treatment I felt like reborn. I highly recommend to book a treatment here. You won’t be disappointed.

Make sure to check out the pool area. The pool itself is beautiful and offers stunning views over the sea. It’s wonderful to relax on one of the loungers, soaking up the sun.

20200818_111324

Cartina Restaurant is another highlight at the Brown Beach House. We had dinner here and I must admit, the food and service were impressive. Its Mediterranean cuisine is yummie. This is what I call fine dining. Not only did the taste of the food surprised us, also the presentation was excellent. The dishes looked like pictures. Clearly, the chef uses fresh local ingredients.

20200812_200749
20200818_110459

Breakfast is served in the other part of the restaurant, it was – again – of a high quality and offered a good variety of hot and cold items.

I was sad to leave the Brown Beach House as I felt at home here! Can’t wait to visit this hotel again! Highly recommended!