Author: HotelAdvisor

HotelAdvisor Welcome to my luxurious journey through the enchanting world of high-end travel, where elegance, opulence, and extraordinary experiences await at every turn. In this blog, I invite you to embark on a captivating exploration of luxury hotels. My fascination with luxury hotels stems from his unwavering pursuit of perfection. I believe that true luxury lies in the meticulous attention to detail, impeccable service, and an ambiance that leaves a lasting impression. With an insatiable desire to seek out the extraordinary, I have traveled the world, staying in some of the most prestigious and breathtaking properties ever created.

Four Seasons Des Bergues

8 December 2019HotelAdvisor Leave a comment

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Hotelchain: Four Seasons
Location: Geneva – Switzerland
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: fourseasons.com/geneva

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Located in the center of beautiful Geneva, Four Seasons hotel des Bergues is an ultra luxurious five star hotel decorated by the renowned architect Pierre-Yves Rochon. The hotel was built back in 1834 and is still one of the best hotels Geneva has to offer! Four Seasons is famous for their amazing flowers and interior designs. As soon as you enter the hotel, you will enter a place with eye for attention and details.

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With ‘only’ 115 rooms, this is not a very large hotel and that’s why they are able to provide a personal service to their guests. Right upon arrival, guests are pampered… nothing is asked for too much, really.

Each room is elegant and decorated with high quality materials. In a hotel like this, they really should keep the tradition of the old days. I liked the ‘old fashioned’ themed rooms. With plush king sized beds and the most comfortable sitting areas, you can in room all day long!

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Marble bathrooms are nice and feature oversized bathtubs and walk-in showers. Bulgari toiletries are offered and most of you know that those are my number one toiletries! 🙂

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One of the highlights at Four Seasons hotel Des Bergues is the rooftop spa with heated pool, sauna, steam rooms, etc. In most hotels spa areas are located on one of the lower floors, but here you are able to see the city while relaxing! I was surprised that the area has a totally different styling comparing to the rest of the hotel. It has a contemporary modern feeling which I loved very much! The adjoining fitness center has the most comfortable equipment one could wish for. Several body treatments are available. Trust me, this is the best place to relax and unwind after a day exploring the city!

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Four Seasons hotel Des Bergues has three restaurants. Their signature restaurant Il Lago has been awarded with one Michelin star and the food here truly is outstanding! We thoroughly enjoyed a wonderful dinner here. We were lucky it was the white truffle season which was served with fresh tagliolini pasta. It was just delicious, as was the whole dinner experience. From the roasted scampi, the swordfish carpaccio and squids to the glazed goat kid with green apple, verbena and lemon sauce. It all was heavenly. The head chef definitely knows how to combine ingredients and flavors. Il Lago deserves its good reputation! Make sure to book your table on time, as it always seems to be pretty busy here.

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Le Bar des Bergues offers inventive and delicious cocktails as well as an all-day dining menu. Again, food is outstanding and we thoroughly enjoyed lunch here. Do not forget to try one of the delicious desserts! They are to die for!

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The rooftop of Four Seasons des Bergues is fantastic and offers picture perfect views over Geneva!

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Four Seasons des Bergues is an exceptional five star hotel with an impeccable service – as a Four Seasons hotel should be! Guests are treated as royalty here without being over the top. Every staff member I met was friendly and greeted us with a smile! Highly recommended for a luxurious getaway in Geneva!

Svilla Turnhout

7 December 2019HotelAdvisor Leave a comment

Location: Turnhout
Classification: Luxurious guesthouse
Official website: svilla.be

Situated in Turnhout, Svilla is one of a kind! This ultra luxurious guesthouse has it all: from the most accommodating and charming host to the most impressive designer elements. The location is great as you are within walking distance of the most important and interesting sights of Turnhout. The small hotel is near a beautiful park which is ideal for walking. Be sure to walk along the main road and visit some local shops and bars. It is such a nice village!

Entering Svilla feels like entering a small paradise. It is so quiet and peaceful here. Staff made sure we felt welcome right from the beginning. There’s a lot to see here, it felt like behind every corner, a new surprise is waiting for you. The open reception area is very nicely decorated with some interesting art work and the most comfortable couch. The Christmas decoration was a great touch. Check-in was very efficient and our keys were handed in just seconds. A welcome drink was offered which is always a bonus!

We stayed in the Marble Suite, a gorgeous design suite which is decorated with great taste. The king sized bed was very comfortable and bed linen were ultra soft, loved it! The small couch was great for reading a book and the small working desk was perfect to do some work.

The best thing about this suite is the enormous marble bathroom with free standing bath tub and oversized shower. The floor to ceiling windows offers stunning panoramic views over the surrounding areas.

Svilla has a total of 11 rooms and one apartment. Each decorated in a very stylish, contemporary way!

I can imagine that during summer time it is great to hang out around the pool and enjoy the nice area. Kindly note that children under 12 are not allowed at Svilla which guarantees a peaceful stay.

Breakfast is always included at Svilla and there’s a huge buffet waiting for the guests each morning. From the yoghurts to the Belgian chocolats, everything tasted excellent and was of a great quality. By the way, this whole place is maintained in an excellent way! I couldn’t find any dirty spot here!

Svilla is one of the most luxurious guesthouses I have stayed at. I particularly loved the great hospitality and the gorgeous marble bathroom. All I can say is, try it out yourself and I promise you will be impressed as well!

Hotel Sablon – Bruges

7 December 2019HotelAdvisor Leave a comment

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Location: Bruges – Belgium
Classification: 4 star hotel
Official website: hotelsablon.be

We all know Bruges has many luxury hotels. Many of them in the traditional style of Bruges. Hotel Sablon is somehow different. Hotel Sablon has been operated as a hotel since 1597. It actually was the first hotel in Bruges and still is operating as a hotel today. I had high expectations, but still was totally blown away by this property. Having stayed at many high end properties in Bruges, 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 Bruges and within walking distance to the major attractions of this beautiful city. Still you are in a private boutique hotel with all the luxury amenities one could wish for. The small inner garden before you enter the hotel is a hidden gem.

Once I stepped in, I was greeted by the most accommodating staff who made me feel at ease right from the first second. 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 Hotel Sablon.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 refreshments. Be sure to have one yourself, I loved it 🙂

After check-in it was time to explore our room. I stayed in one of their Mansion Suites and again I was very satisfied. The room had a great size. No standard furniture here, all items (and I 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 bed was to die for. Some interesting art work can be found in each room which is always a nice touch.

Bathroom is very luxurious featuring an oversized bath tub and a fantastic walk-in shower. There are plenty of luxury Moooi toiletries. Not only do they look great, they smell amazing too! The lighted marble sink definitely is they eye catcher of the bathroom. It certainly gives the extra luxurious feeling.

The Loft Suite on the top floor is one of a kind. Actually, it is the most beautiful room in Bruges I have seen so far. Very stylish, contemporary and ultra luxurious.

Breakfast at Hotel Sablon is something to look forward to. The breakfast room is one of a kind, decorated with style and eye for details. The buffet consists of freshly made products which are of a great quality. A lot of healthy options too! But also omelets, fried eggs, etc. everything is possible and again, service is provided – each time with a smile.

It is all about service at Hotel Sablon. The staff is among the most professional and accommodating I have ever experienced in Bruges. As said before, after spending so many nights at so many luxurious hotels, it is great to still be impressed by hotels like Hotel Sablon.

NH Collection Antwerp Centre

24 November 2019HotelAdvisor Leave a comment

Hotelchain: NH Collection
Location: Antwerp – Belgium
Classification: 4 star hotel
Official website: nh-collection.com/…/nh-collection-antwerp-centre

Situated in a very interesting spot in Antwerp, the brand new NH Hotel Antwerp Centre only opened a few months ago. The hotel is located only a few steps from the famous Antwerp Zoo and also from Central Station, one of world’s most beautiful train stations. Also, the large shopping street Meir is reachable in just minutes.

As I entered the NH Hotel Antwerp Centre, I was welcomed by very friendly front desk staff. Service here is always with a smile which is absolutely pleasant. The lobby area is pretty large and I loved the decoration: quite trendy, but not over the top… It is classy with a modern touch, just the way I like it! Sleek and chic yet cosy is how I would describe it. Although the hotel was almost fully booked at the time I was there, you wouldn’t tell as there is this absolutely relaxed atmosphere throughout the entire hotel. A big eye catcher of NH Collection Antwerp Centre is the urban jungle, a beautiful inner garden. Just beautiful!

I stayed in one of their Premium rooms and was impressed with the room! It was very nicely laid out with wooden floor and a queen bed and Nespresso coffee machine. The room also came with a large working desk which was pretty convenient as I needed to do some work. All rooms come with high speed internet. The view from the room was stunning!

The large and trendy bathrooms are equipped with a very good rainshower. As usual, fancy NH Collection toiletries are provided including the hand cream which smells amazing!

NH Collection Antwerp Centre offers a fitness center. Although not too big, it does offer all the facilities for a great work out including towels and complimentary water. The entire place was very clean and well maintained.

After a wonderful night’s sleep (I was spoiled as they have wonderful mattresses in each room) we had breakfast. The buffet style breakfast was excellent with lots of options to choose from. Local specialties such as the famous Belgian waffles and bread pudding can not be missed!

NH Collection Antwerp Centre is a trendy and classy four star hotel in a great spot. The rooms are very stylish and offer the comfort you would expect from a high class hotel like this. Although it has 186 rooms, it kind of felt like staying in a boutique style hotel. Whether it is for business or leisure, you can’t go wrong by staying here. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay here and I truly believe it is one of the better hotels in beautiful Antwerp.

Corsendonk Turnova

15 November 2019HotelAdvisor Leave a comment

Hotelchain: Corsendonk Hotels
Location: Turnhout – Belgium
Classification: 4 star hotel
Official website: corsendonkhotels.com/…/corsendonk-turnova

Located in a very interesting and convenient spot, Turnhout’s newest luxury hotel Corsendonk Turnova is rated as one of the best hotels in the area. It 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.

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Upon arrival, everything is explained in a friendly yet professional way. 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.

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The suite we stayed in had a great size 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 suite also had a portable Bose speaker which was a nice touch. Plenty of sockets in the room as well which is rarely the case at most hotels! Loved it! There was also a separate toilet.

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I especially liked the bathroom which featured a wonderful free standing bath tub. I enjoyed some me time in the evening in this tub and loved every second. The bathroom was also appointed with a large walk-in (rain)shower and double sinks. Fancy Rituals toiletries are provided in each room. Every spot in our suite was spotlesly clean.

A true highlight of Corsendonk Turnova is the Spa Area. When I was in Turnhout it was pretty cold and it was absolutely amazing to relax in the spa after a day spent in the cold. The spa is opened all day long. There’s a traditional sauna, an infra-red sauna and water experience walk where 4 several showers gave me an unique experience. Hot and cold water and even scents add even more exceptional feelings through the entire body. I loved it. An adjoining relax area with the two most comfortable lounge chairs are the perfect spot to unwind. I read a book afterwards, closed my eyes and enjoyed the very relaxing music. It was the perfect way to end my day.

The next morning we had breakfast in the restaurant downstairs. It is a buffet style breakfast offering only fresh products. We sat down and the very accommodating staff immediately wished us a very good morning. The food was delicious and I appreciated the mix of sweet and salt. There’s just something for everybody. Some highlights were the ‘make your own waffles’ and freshly squeezed orange juice. Complimentary sparkling wine is offered as well. Make sure to add breakfast to your booking, you will not be disappointed!

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Our stay at the Corsendonk Turnova 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, Corsendonk Turnova is top notch and I highly recommend to stay at this hotel when you are in the area of Turnhout, whether it is for leisure or business.

NH Collection Barbizon Palace

31 October 2019HotelAdvisor Leave a comment

Hotelchain: NH Collection
Location: Amsterdam – Netherlands
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: nh-hotels.nl/…/nh-collection-amsterdam-barbizon-palace

NH Collection Barbizon Palace is a top notch five star hotel and is rated as one of the best hotels in the city! This was my first experience with NH Collection hotels and it didn’t disappoint. I had the best time! The location in Amsterdam is perfect, right across the central train station… near the city center so you can reach the center by foot in just minutes. Excellent!

Right from the beginning we were greeted by the check-in staff and our keys were handed in just seconds. As soon as I saw the stunning lobby area, I knew that NH Collection Barbizon Palace is a high class five star property. The hotel consists of 19 buildings dated from the 17^th century. There are a total of 274 rooms and although it is a pretty large hotel, they do treat each guest as a royal. Speaking of rooms, they renovated all of their guestrooms and several other parts of the hotel. The 15^th century chapel is now their conference center. Pretty impressive.

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The Premium room we stayed in was very comfortable and luxuriously appointed. I just loved it and as said before, they are totally up to date as they were all renovated recently. From the high ceilings to the bathrooms, everything felt right. The beds are amazing… and I was happy to be able to relax in the comfortable chair after a full day of shopping in Amsterdam. The Nespresso machine and comfortable bath robes were appreciated. They seem to be cleaning here all day long and our room has been maintained in an excellent way! A nice touch: they provide complimentary hand cream, how cool is that? Never seen at any hotel so far. I must also highlight the upscale NH Collection toiletries.

I did visit some other rooms as well and all looked very nice. I loved the wooden beams in some of the rooms. They’re gorgeous!

On the lower floor, there’s a health club which is accessible at no additional charges. The large fitness center is great for a work out and why not relax in their wellness center? That is right, next to the gym is a beautiful area designed for ultimate relaxation. The sauna and steam room are a treat, especially now when the weather starts to cool down.

Another highlight of our stay was our dinner at Restaurant Vermeer. Rated with one Michelin Star and 18 (!) Gault Millau points, this restaurant only offers the best of the best. From the moment we entered until we left, everything was absolutely stunning. The décor is contemporary yet elegant with fun twists and interesting art work. Service was top notch. Not too formal, yet professional. And the food was to die for. Each course they served was divine. Head Chef – Chris Naylor – selected the best ingredients to make sure each dish is delicious. From the Mackerel with ginger (this was the first time I ate this combination and I loved loved loved it) to the Pike-perch which came with black Tuscan kale. It was all perfectly prepared and served with style. The wild duck as a main course was the best I’ve ever had. Again, I must also highlight the good service we received during the night and the excellent wine selection.

A dinner at Restaurant Vermeer isn’t just an ordinary restaurant visit, it is an experience. Make sure to book your table upfront as it seems to be pretty busy here all year long.

After a wonderful night, we were hungry again 😊 And trust me, breakfast at NH Collection Barbizon Palace is something to look forward to. The large buffet has something to offer for anyone. Even the kids have their own small breakfast area filled with products they all love. I particularly liked the asparagus, avocado and large selection of pastries. They even offer sparkling wine at no additional charge.

No wonder NH Collection Barbizon Palace is rated among the best hotels in the city. I highly recommend staying here… Rooms are large and luxurious, food is outstanding, the sauna and steam room are relaxing after a day in busy Amsterdam and most importantly, the staff is wonderful! Thumbs up, NH Collection Barbizon Palace!

Hotel D – Geneva

29 September 2019HotelAdvisor Leave a comment

Hotelchain: Diana Hotel Collection
Location: Geneva – Switzerland
Classification: 4 star hotel
Official website: hoteld-geneva.ch

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I have been to Geneva several times and stayed in several hotels, but hotel D was definitely one of the best experiences I have had so far! First of all: location! It is perfectly positioned right in an interesting part of Geneva. When you leave the hotel, you will see the grand fountain from a distance which is probably the most famous attraction in Geneva. It really is just a 7 minute walk before you reach Leman Lake. Also, other all other attractions are nearby. I always take to train from the airport to the center and the main train station is only a few steps away. Very convenient! A big bonus: hotel D offers complimentary transport tickets to the guests which are useable in the city. Very nice gesture!

But it’s not only the location that makes this hotel so special, also the decoration and service are of a high level. Hotel D is an upper class 4 four boutique hotel with only 57 rooms. That’s why they are able to offer personalized service. Right from the moment I entered the hotel, I was pleasantly surprised.

The staff is so friendly and welcoming- always hospitable and asking if we needed anything- always smiling and ready to help. The décor is beautiful with fancy decorations. Hotel D was designed by famous interior designer Sybille de Margerie.

The suite I stayed in was beautifully decorated with a gorgeous bathroom, nice wooden floors and a large bed. The room was impeccably clean. It felt like we were the first guests of the room. The decoration team did a great job here. It really is all about the details. The comfortable couches were great to relax and unwind. The walk-in closet was a treat! A Nespresso machine is available as well as unlimited access to Press Reader.

The highlight of the suite was the most amazing bathroom one could wish for with a gorgeous free standing bath tub offering panoramic views. Each bathroom is provided with L’Occitane toiletries, love them. I should also mention that the shower was one of the best showers I have ever experienced. The gigantic rain shower head is mind blowing as are the views from this bathroom. I loved to watch the ‘Jet d’Eau’ from up here, one of world’s most famous fountains.

I must note each room – not only the suites – at Hotel D are luxuriously appointed and decorated with high quality materials.

Hotel D offers a Fitness Studio with the latest Technology Equipment. I was impressed with the high tech equipment and was happy to hear the studio is opened 24 hrs.

In the morning, a great breakfast buffet with many options began our day more than satisfied. Again, the breakfast area is beautifully decorated. The buffet has plenty of fresh products. A must try is their Bircher muesli and the cheeses (you are in Switzerland right? 😊 ). Service was top notch and nothing was asked for too much.

We hated to leave Hotel D but look forward again to our special getaway in beautiful Geneva! From the gorgeous decors to the most wonderful staff, I loved it all! Highly recommended!

Warwick Brussels

19 September 2019HotelAdvisor Leave a comment

Hotelchain: Warwick
Location: Brussels – Belgium
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: warwickhotels.com/warwick-brussels

Warwick Brussels is a top notch five star hotel right in the city center of Brussels. You really can’t beat its location as it is close to the most important and interesting attractions in Brussels. It is a classic five star property and soon as I entered the hotel, I felt at home.

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After an efficient check-in, I went upstairs and explored our amazing Signature Executive Suite. At 50m², the suite had a great size and had all the amenities I expect from a high end hotel. The room actually felt like a small apartment with a separate living and sleeping area. The two televisions were very convenient as well. Warwick Brussels has a high comfort and service level. Turn down service was provided every night. As said before, I appreciated the overall style of the room, it had all the amenities one could ask for.

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The marble bathroom was to die for, it had a separate bath tub and shower unit. All premium deluxe rooms and suites offer premium Bulgari toiletries (a big plus!!).

Be sure to check out the fitness facility. It is located on -1, right behind the reception desk. I did a work out and relaxed in the sauna afterwards. I was in Brussels for some shopping and it was great to relax in the sauna after a hectic day. For me, cleanliness is very important. At Warwick Brussels every inch was spotlessly clean.

After the shopping, working out and relaxing it was time to check out the on-site restaurant Chutney’s. This Victorian styled restaurant kind of made me feel like an upscale Irish pub offers great food and excellent service. I am told that this is one of the favorite restaurants in Brussels and I can easily see why. We thoroughly enjoyed one of their signature dishes: Trio Belge … this dish contains three typical Belgian specialties such as a huge meat ball from Liège, beef carbonade and vol au vent. Of course, the Belgian fries are served with this dish as well. Make sure you book a table here right when you check in as I can imagine it can get pretty busy here especially during the weekends.

We also enjoyed some after dinner drinks at the Secret Rooftop bar. This bar offers amazing views over the center of Brussels. Do try one the cocktails, they are delicious!

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After a great night in the most wonderful bed, it was time for breakfast. Breakfast at Warwick Brussels is served at the Salon Grand Place. The buffet style breakfast is good and offers a good variety. I especially liked the old fashioned homemade bread pudding… again a Belgian specialty.

Warwick Brussels is one of the better hotels in Brussels. It offers comfortable accommodations with a five star service. You can have the most luxurious building, but without a terrific staff it is not working. At Warwick, each staff member approached and served me in a very professional way without being over the top. I could be myself and I loved it. Together with its prime locations, it is one of my favorite picks in Brussels! Highly recommended and I can’t wait to explore more Warwick properties in the future!

Hotel De Castillion – Bruges

12 September 2019HotelAdvisor Leave a comment

Hotelchain: Small Elegant Hotels
Location: Bruges – Belgium
Classification: 4 star deluxe
Official website: castillion.be

Hotel De Castillion is a top notch four star boutique hotel located in the center of Bruges. You can’t beat the location. All the main attractions in this gorgeous city are within walking distance. The surrounding areas are just gorgeous: small authentic streets, carriages, etc. I immediately fell in love with the hotel when I saw the building. It was built in the 16^th century and it used to be a residence of Bruges’ 15^th bishop. A fun fact: a part of the hotel is a listed heritage site.

Although this family owned and managed hotel is located in the center of Bruges. When I entered the hotel I appreciated the peaceful and quiet atmosphere.

Hotel De Castillion is very stylish and cozy decorated. The intimate reception area just beautiful and gives an excellent first impression of the hotel: luxurious chandeliers, high end furniture and most importantly: I was welcomed by the most friendly manager. This is Belgian hospitality and I love it! He gave me a map of Bruges which was very useful and I was surprised the map was designed for the hotel. So this is not a standard map of Bruges, no, at Hotel De Castillion you will receive a city map with pictures of the hotel, the hotel location and several walks.

After I received my room key, I couldn’t wait to explore this unique boutique hotel. Walking around in the hotel feels like walking around in a small castle. The authentic atmosphere throughout the hotel is impressive and much appreciated.

Room 103 I stayed in was absolutely stunning! What a great fairytale room this was! The wooden floors and grand chandelier add extra coziness. The room had all the facilities I expect from a four star hotel such as the Nespresso coffee machine, a very comfortable bed and a cozy sitting area with comfortable couches. This is how every room in Bruges should look like. Loved it!

Bathroom was spacious and featured a bathtub with shower. Fluffy towels and high end toiletries are available as well.

Hotel De Castillion has a total of 20 rooms. As a small hotel they can offer a very personal service. It feels like a home away from home where you are treated as a royal. Speaking of rooms, there are several room types. The room I stayed in is a deluxe room. I did visit some other rooms such as the classic room and junior suites. I must admit that each room I saw was different but all were ultra luxurious and decorated with the best materials and with an eye for attention.

There is a nice stylish bar and golden art deco salon where you can also order snacks. The salon is a must visit when you stay at Hotel De Castillion. You will love the design!

After a wonderful night in my romantic room (still in love with that room…), I was ready for breakfast. Having breakfast at Hotel De Castillion is something to look forward to! It is served in the unique and historic cellar. The buffet is very large and the overall quality of the food is outstanding. Salmon, fresh fruit, etc. It is all there.

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Hotel Castillion is definitely the place to stay when you are looking for an ultra stylish boutique hotel right in the center of Bruges. Check it out yourself and experience the Castillion experience! Highly recommended for a romantic getaway!

Cruise review: MSC Meraviglia

18 May 2019HotelAdvisor Leave a comment

Cruiseline: MSC Cruises
Ship: MSC Meraviglia
Itinerary: Mediterranean
For bookings: msccruises.com

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Most of you know I LOVE cruise ships… Cruising is definitely my favorite way to explore new destinations in a glamorous environment. MSC Cruises launched in 1988 and what began with one ship has now grown into a magnificent fleet of 15 ships. It is actually one the fastest growing cruise companies in the industry.

I explored and experienced one their newest ships, the MSC Meraviglia. This ship was launched in June 2017 and is one of the largest cruise ships in the world. Trust me, she’s huge with a capacity of 4,500 passengers and 1,536 crew members. There are 15 glamorous passenger decks offering the most luxurious facilities one could wish for. I immediately fell in love with the interior design of the MSC Meraviglia. MSC is known for its glitter and glamour finishing and that’s how it should be on a cruise ship. The eye catcher on Deck 6 is the Galleria Meraviglia with a magnificent digital ceiling: a LED screen with gorgeous images and videos that change depending on the time of the day. It is really spectacular. As you walk through this promenade, you will pass the Infinity Atrium. I see why they call it the Infinity Atrium as there are mirror on the ceilings. As usual at most MSC cruise ships, the Swarovski Crystal Staircase is a must!

Let me tell you something more about the cabins. MSC offers inside cabins, ocean view cabins and balcony cabins. The balcony cabin we stayed in was absolutely amazing and very spacious. Actually, one the largest balcony cabins Ive ever stayed in. The king sized bed was among the best as well. No small couch here, but a full sized comfortable couch which was excellent for relaxing and reading a book. The balcony had a good size too with high quality furniture. There was a big interactive tv with several channels that we enjoyed. I can tell that a lot of thought has gone into the design and lay out of the cabins. What I appreciate is that each cabin has a minibar, even insides. Also, the touch panels to control the bedside lights were great! Another feature I like is the switch controlled ‘Do Not Disturb’ and ‘Make Up My Room’ signs. There’s a double wardrobe in the cabin which was large enough to store your luggage and clothes.

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The bathroom has a large shower with glass doors, a footrest which is ideal for leg shaving. There also a clothes wire for drying laundry. There are no toiletries provided, but there’s shampoo and soap available in fixed dispensers. The single sink has a great design and there’s a convenient cupboard with shelves. Do note that MSC sells its cruises by “experience” rather than cabin types. For example, the standard experience is called Fantastica which offers a classic cruise experience. The next level is Bella which offers a complimentary room service, etc.

There is so much to do on board of the MSC Meraviglia. As mentioned before, there are 15 (!) passenger decks. On Deck 5 I loved the infinity bar. This modern bar is the perfect place for people watching which is always fun, right? Oh by the way, drinks are not included in the fare, but I do recommend to buy a drinks package as it is great value for money. We paid 206 EUR per person for the Easy Package which includes unlimited consumption of selected drinks priced up to 6 EUR. There’s a good selection of spirits, wine, cocktails, mocktails, soft drinks and juices available. Also bottled water and classic hot drinks are included in all bars and restaurants, excluding specialty restaurants. I do like the all inclusive feeling without having to worry about the final bill at the end of the cruise. With a drinks package you know exactly what you will spend on board regarding drinks.

I would call Deck 6 the heart of the ship as it is home to the Galleria Meraviglia with the LED ceiling. Here you can shop and dine as you walk by many beautiful shops and dining venues. Also, make sure to visit the Jean-Philippe Chocolate store! The chocolate masterpieces they show are incredible (and I’m sure they taste pretty good as well!).

Plaza Meraviglia is the small shopping area of MSC Meraviglia with watches and sunglasses, perfumes and cosmetics and a mini hall. Here you can also find the MSC Excursions desk where you can book your shore excursions. The MSC shop is the place to buy souvenirs. Right across this gift shops, there’s Fashion Jewellery.

If you walk through the Galleria Meraviglia to the front of the shop, you will enter Broadway Theatre. A spectacular theatre where passengers can enjoy shows each night. In terms of entertainment, MSC is one of my favorite! Behind every corner, there’s something new waiting for you. I like to get entertained! There’s so much to do on this ship… I’ve found the quality of the shows excellent, especially Virtual, a resolutely contemporary show for today’s generation. Do note that you must book to attend a show. You can book any time up to 10 minutes before show time very conveniently through the MSC For Me app which I will tell you more about later. Speaking about shows, MSC works together with Cirque Du Soleil. That is right, for the first time ever, Cirque Du Soleil is at sea and they designed a special theatre on board the MSC Meraviglia. There are two 40-minute productions – Sonor and Viaggio – for you to enjoy at a small surcharge. We paid 15 EUR per person for each show and this includes a cocktail. I liked both shows, but found Sonor a little bit better as the special effects during this show were stunning.

Also during the day, there is so much to do. There are quizzes, dance classes, games, etc. all over the ship.

I should also highlight the Polar Aqua Park on Deck 19. It is the best water park at sea I have ever seen with 3 great water slides and the Himalayan Bridge which was very fun and actually a bit scary too. All activities are included in the rate. Very cool! Kids will have the time of their life here (and not only kids!). There are large outdoor pools available, Atmosphere Pool and Bamboo Pool, on deck 15. If the weather is bad, they will cover the Bamboo pool with a sliding roof, turning it into an indoor pool.

If you want to relax and unwind, make sure to visit the MSC Aurea Spa. This beautiful area is the place to visit when you want to come at ease. For a cruise ship, this spa center is huge offering several kinds of saunas and steam rooms. Do note that access is not included so you need to pay extra to make use of those facilities.

MSC is known for their family facilities. On Deck 18 you will find the kids clubs. That is right, there are several clubs on this ship especially built for kids. It is safe to leave your children here since there’s a reception and kids can’t just leave this area. They divided the clubs based on ages. There’s the Baby Club Chicco, Mini Club Lego, Junior Club Lego, Doremi Studio and the Young and Teen Club. This is also the place where you will find Sportplex, a place to play soccer, basketball, etc. Very cool!

Cruising is also about dining. There are many restaurants on board the MSC Meraviglia. Not all the restaurants are included in the fares. There are 5 specialty restaurants which cost extra. I did not make use of them as I found the food and service in the main restaurants to be really good. Beside the main restaurants, there’s also the huge Marketplace buffet on deck 15 with endless choices of freshly prepared food. The quality of the food was excellent and since this place is so huge, we never found any problem finding a table. The Marketplace buffet was our favorite place to have lunch. At night, we had dinner at L’Olive Doree. The food was just amazing! Each night, a delicious three course menu will be served. I’ve found the overall quality of the food pretty good and it all tasted fresh. Service was great too.

Cruising is not only about the ship, the ports we visited were beautiful. We had such a nice itinerary and visited Italy (Genua and Rom), Malta, Sicily (Palermo), Spain (Barcelona) and France (Marseille). That’s the main advantage of a cruise. You can visit so many places. You can book your excursions via MSC or just go off the ship and explore the area on your own which we did most of the time. It’s always nice though when you get back on the ship. It almost feels like coming home 😊

By the way, make sure to download the MSC For Me app when you cruise with MSC. It is so convenient to navigate and see what’s going on. You can even see the menus and book your seats for shows. You can actually chat with your fellow passengers and keep in touch. All you need to do is log in on the on board wifi system. The use of the MSC For Me app is free and a must have while you are on board.

MSC Meraviglia is new ship with tons of facilities and endless dining options. The service on board was great. Our cabin steward was very nice and nothing was asked for too much. The whole ship is maintained very well and was spotlessly clean. Make sure to check it out yourself, you will love it! We had the time of our lives on this jewel! Can’t wait to sail on her again!

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