Marsa Malaz Kempinski Doha

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Hotelchain: Kempinski
Location: Doha – Qatar
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: kempinski.com/…/marsa-malaz-kempinski-the-pearl-doha

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Marsa Malaz Kempinski is a top five star hotel located at the Pearl in Doha. It is among the most luxurious hotels I have ever stayed at and was truly blown away right from the moment I stepped into this hotel. Let me first tell you something more about the location. The Pearl is a great relaxing area right outside the center of Doha. I enjoyed this area as there are many shops, a marine and a lot of good restaurants. The relaxed and holiday atmosphere are perfect for relaxing… This definitely is the place to be to unwind and have a great time with your family. Marsa Malaz Kempinski is located on a manmade island and offers 281 of the most comfortable hotel rooms one could wish for.

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I have traveled a lot through the Middle East and visited a lot of five star properties and the lobby area is among the nicest and most impressive lobby areas I have ever seen. The tree of life with the birds definitely is an eye-catcher. Entering Marsa Malaz Kempinski hotel is like entering a world full of luxury and attention to details. I just couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the four signature Murano-glass chandeliers. I would rather call this a palace instead of a hotel. Behind every corner, a new surprise is waiting.

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As mentioned before, there are 281 rooms … all of them of a very high standard. Rooms are very spacious starting at 75m² (807sf), trust me they are huge! The rooms are decorated in a very elegant and luxurious way. This definitely is what every five star hotel room should look like. The couch is great to unwind and the oversized desk is perfect to do some business. Our balcony overlooked the sea. Bathrooms are very elegant too featuring a separate and very large (rain)shower, bath tub with your very own television and separate toilet. I loved everything about the room and its layout. It is all about the small things such as the fresh flowers, etc. that makes the Marsa Malaz Kempinski hotel unique. They maintain everything at Marsa Malaz Kempinski in an excellent way. The rooms are cleaned every day and turn down service is provided every night.

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It is impossible to get bored here. This is a beach resort and I thoroughly enjoyed the 7 (!) outdoor pools and beach area. This is one of the few hotels in Doha that has a direct access to a private beach. The beach itself is wonderful and there are plenty of comfortable loungers. The pool staff is great and take care of you in a very kind way. During the day they play cool music which gave me a true holiday feeling. So nice! On top of that, you will never forget that you’re in a luxurious resort… They are cleaning this place all day long and will make sure you have the time of your life with your loved ones.

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Looking for a heavenly retreat? Make sure to visit the Spa by Clarins. I experienced Marsa Malaz Kempinski’s Hammam, one of their signature treatments. I was pampered and loved every single second of this treatment! From the lovely aromas to the latest scientific active ingredients, it was perfect. My mother had a facial and she is used to getting facials all the time but the one she got here was among the best she has ever had! The staff was very professional, kind and knowledgeable about all the products. On top of that, the spa is beautifully decorated and the soft music playing makes it totally unique. Next to the spa area is a full sized fitness area with the latest technology equipment.

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There are several dining options here. We tried them all and all of them truly blew us away! Toro Toro for example is a trendy place with a delicious Spanish cuisine. The ocean views here are just stunning and we loved the cocktails and small bites. What a great atmosphere and excellent service!

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After our small bites we experienced their beachside restaurant Amwage Grill,  where we were seated at a table on the beach. Trust me, we will never forget the experience! Words can not describe how wonderful the food and staff were. From the BBQ prepared meat to the most yummie desserts, we loved every second and every single bite. The other night, we had dinner at Al Sufra, their award winning Levantine restaurant and enjoyed an Arabian cuisine of the highest level! Every single item we tasted was divine! The Arabian meal emphasized togetherness, the pleasure of taste and was served by very professional staff. The waiters were very knowledgeable about each dish, even about the drinks. I found the food quite innovative and sophisticated! There even was live entertainment/music which made the experience even more special. No wonder this restaurant is rated among the best in Doha! Highly recommended to visit even if you’re not staying at the hotel. You won’t be disappointed! Breakfast is served at Sawa and I can honestly tell you that the breakfast served at Marsa Malaz Kempinski is one of the best breakfast buffets I have experienced anywhere. Choices are endless … and everything is freshly prepared with a smile.

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Marsa Malaz Kempinski is one of kind and we were sad to leave! This hotel definitely is one of the best five star hotels in Doha and offer their guests a true five star experience. I can’t wait to return to this jewel!

Shangri-La Doha

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Hotelchain: Shangri-la
Location: Doha – Qatar
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: shangri-la.com/doha/shangrila

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Rated as one of the best hotels in Doha, the Shangri-La Doha definitely deserves its good reputation. The hotel is located right in the middle of it all and offers five star facilities. As usual, 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.

As you know, I visited many Shangri-La properties and was impressed by all of them. They definitely know how to treat their guests and service here is on a very high level. The Shangri-la Doha definitely deserves its high reputation! Most staff members remembered my name which made me feel like a VIP guest. Every time I met someone, they were all very warm yet professional.

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We stayed in a Horizon Deluxe room and were pretty impressed. The room was very comfortable, had a good size and had all the amenities I would expect at a high level five star hotel. The beds are among the best I have ever slept in, the bathroom had a television and I appreciated the oversized working desk. They maintain their rooms in an excellent way, several times a day your room will be cleaned and turn down service is provided every night.

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There are a lot of fun things to do here at the Shangri-La Doha! The pool area for example is just stunning. It almost felt like a beach resort although the hotel is located right in the center of Doha. This is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Palm trees, comfortable loungers, etc. great! There’s a separate kids pool as well. During the day, soft music is playing which creates a great atmosphere.

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Located near the swimming area, it a full equipped fitness center with the latest technology equipment. The spa area is one of the nicest I have experienced. The place is just beautiful … It is like entering a world of pure relaxation. Fantastic, I loved it! Dark wood, relaxing music and the most wonderful staff … This is how every spa area should be like! I thoroughly enjoyed my treatment here. The therapist was a professional and advised me to use the steam room before she started the treatment. A great advice! It definitely stimulated the muscles. My mother totally enjoyed her facial which was also done in a very kind way. We both felt like reborn after our treatments, like we could handle the world 🙂 I highly recommend to book a spa treatment here! Oh, by the way, you can use a vitality pool after your treatment to even more relax.

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Since we were staying in a Horizon Deluxe Room, we had full access to the Horizon Club Lounge which is located on the 42nd floor. It actually is the largest club lounge in Doha offering 360° panoramic views over Doha! The lounge is very luxurious and we appreciated the personalized service. Soft and hot drinks are served here all day long. Every morning a nice breakfast buffet is available with the most yummie items one could wish for. Everything is prepared here with fresh ingredients and I especially liked their yoghurts with berries and mango. Service again is top notch, each staff member did their upmost best to serve us in a very professional way. They chatted with us, not too much, but just right … making us feel at home again. At night, cocktail hour is from 6pm – 8pm with alcoholic drinks such as sparkling, red and white wine and a buffet with small bites. I highly recommend an upgrade to a room with access to the Horizon Club, it is a great value as you can have drinks here all day long, enjoy some alcoholic beverages and appetizers during the night.

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The Shangri-La Doha has several dining options and we were lucky to be one of the first guests at the newly opened Shanghai Club which opened 2 weeks before our stay. The Shanghai Club is located on the highest floor offering the most amazing views over Doha. Decoration is fantastic, the way they combined the colors with all the decoration and furniture is lovely. We were both very impressed and not only by the decoration, also the food was just delicious. From the twice cooked beef short ribs and cucumber salad to the Stir-fried scallops, prawns and egg white with black truffle, we loved every single bite. Make sure you try one of the desserts! I tried the deep-fried lychee ice cream with citrus ginger soup, I could eat this every single day 🙂

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I also enjoyed lunch at Sridan. The restaurant looks like a traditional Arabian souq with several food stations. This buffet restaurant offers the best food and drinks! There’s just something for every one’s taste, choices are endless and all prepared in an excellent way. Breakfast is served here too. The large buffet will please anyone. I did prefer the breakfast at the Horizon Club though as it was more quiet and the variation was about the same. They seem to prepare everything here in an excellent way. The yoghurts were among the best I have ever tasted, anywhere AND they change every day! Loved it!

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A stay at the Shangri-La Doha is always top notch… Of course, it’s a Shangri-la Hotel after all! I can not say enough good things about this place. Location is great, food is yummie, rooms are luxurious and the service level is unseen. Highly recommended for a luxurious Doha getaway!

W Doha

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Hotelchain: W hotels
Location: Doha – Qatar
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website:  whoteldoha.com

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The W Doha is a luxurious trendy five star hotel which is located in the middle of Doha. It is currently rated as one of the best hotels in Doha and offers 442 rooms and suites. I did not expect to find this kind of hotel in Doha. The building itself is quite impressive especially at night when the lights are on and the music is playing. When I entered the hotel, I immediately noticed the beautiful blue hanging lamps… It truly is just gorgeous and definitely an eye-catcher! Especially at night! I also loved the fresh flowers all over the place. Very nice!

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Check-in was very efficient and they explained everything we needed to know about the hotel and its facilities. The W hotel is not an ordinary hotel, it is one of the most comfortable and trendy hotels in the city! There’s a cool vibe all over the place and they know how to treat their guests. Every staff member I met was very helpful and professional assisting me with anything I asked for. Oh, I love the fact that they give you some sort of business card with a number on it so you can whatsapp whatever request you may have. How cool is that?

The rooms at the W hotel are large, comfortably appointed and their feather beds are amazing! They used soft colors and I definitely liked the curtains throughout the room. Bath room was very luxurious offering a large walk-in shower and separate bath tub. High quality Bliss toiletries such as the mouth wash were great.

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The restaurants here, each rated among the best in the city, are fantastic! From Asian to European cuisine, they have it all! The first night we had dinner at Spice Market, an authentic South-East-Asian street food restaurant which mainly serves Thai dishes. Almost unbelievable how they manage to combine all the flavors. I could eat the Thai soup every day! The other night, we tried Market (a European style restaurant) by Jean-Georges. Food was fantastic and service was very efficient and fast. I appreciated the fact that the staff had a great knowledge of each dish. Do try the Black truffle fontina pizza, one of their signature dishes. You won’t be sorry! 🙂 Breakfast is served here every morning too, by the way. It is a buffet style breakfast which will please anyone. On top of that, I enjoyed lunch at La Spiga, an Italian restaurant with a great atmosphere. I love the fact that every single restaurant at the W is something totally different … but the food is always delicious! The quinoa salad was to die for. Thumbs up! By the way, did you know that every restaurant has its own ‘Menugram’? That is right, you can see a picture of the actual dish you are ordering. Very convenient and very 2016!

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The pool at the W Doha is great and the lounge and sun area offers amazing views over the city. I liked the fact that there’s a lap pool. It can be so annoying that some guests are swimming laps and disturbing other guests (and vice versa)… Well, they don’t have this problem at the W. Very smart! Right next to pool is a fitness and spa center. Although I did not experience a treatment here, the spa center does look nice and intimate.

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As one would expect, you really can’t go wrong by booking a room at the W Doha. From the trendy and comfortable rooms to the delicious restaurants, the W Doha is great five star property which offers the very best to their guests.

Airport hotel: Hotel Schiphol A4

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Hotelchain: Van der Valk
Location: Amsterdam airport – The Netherlands
Classification: 4 star hotel
Official website: hotelschiphol.nl

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The Van der Valk hotel near Schiphol, Amsterdams international airport, is a four star hotel with great facilities. The hotel is quite large and offers comfortable rooms, a nice restaurant and wellness facilities. The lobby area is quite spacious and front desk staff was very professional and efficient.

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The room I stayed in, or should I call it a suite, probably was the most comfortable room near an airport I ever stayed at. The Top Suite features an oversized circle jacuzzi, a steam shower and an amazing king sized bed. Other amenities were the coffee machine and good toiletries. Those suites offer plenty of space (65m²) and truly are heavenly after a long flight. I imagined myself relaxing here after spending hours in an airplane!

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I am in love with the indoor pool! It is opened from 7am – 10pm and the water temperature is great! It is so nice to be able to swim after your flight and to unwind in the spa area afterwards. That’s right, guests can use a traditional sauna, infrared sauna and a steam shower. The heated loungers are perfect! I appreciated the fact that everything was very clean and smelled fresh.

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There’s a full service restaurant at the Van der Valk Schiphol hotel. I didn’t eat here, but the restaurant looked refreshing, comfortable and the menu looked great.

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The next morning, after a wonderful night in the large king sized bed, I went down for a work out. The fitness center is located next to the swimming pool and offers up to date equipment. Always nice to be able to watch television while you’re working out. It also opens at 7am in the morning, but you can request to use to fitness earlier if needed.

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After the working out and a great shower, I totally enjoyed breakfast. The breakfast buffet at the Van der Valk Schiphol is varied and has something for everyone.

The Van der Valk Schiphol is a great hotel near the airport of Amsterdam. They organize complimentary shuttle service from/to the airport and you can leave your car on the parking at affordable rates. By the way, the first 24 hours of parking are complimentary. Highly recommended to stay here before or after a flight as the rooms are very comfortable and due the wellness facilities!

Atlantic Kempinski Hamburg

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Hotelchain: Kempinski
Location: Hamburg – Germany
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: kempinski.com/en/hamburg/hotel-atlantic

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The Atlantic Kempinski in Hamburg is a classical five star hotel and is rated as one of the best hotels in Hamburg! I was happy to spend a few days here and had the best time! The location is perfect, it is not in the middle of the city center so it is not that busy but 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 the Atlantic Kempinski is a high class five star property. In 2012 they renovated all of their guestrooms and several other parts of the hotel. The maritime theme is noticeable throughout the entire hotel! Very nicely done!

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The 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 marble 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 Hamburg. 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!  At night, turn down service is provided as well.

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On the second floor, there’s a health club which is accessible at no additional charges. The large indoor pool has a great size and I found the water temperature excellent. Although the hotel was almost fully booked when we were there, it never seemed to be very busy at the pool. They have one infrared and one traditional sauna. Next to the pool is a small gym.
Oh, by the way, did you know that they have their small private cinema here? That is right, guests can choose between hundreds of movies. So cool!

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At night, before going to bed, we decided to go down and have a coffee. The comfortable leather couches are perfect for some people watching and just doing nothing. The open fireplace made it even more relaxing. This was our perfect end of the day! Again, on our way to our room I was impressed by the hallways and overall decoration of the hotel. Very nice, very classy 🙂

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There’s a full service Atlantic restaurant which offers delicious dishes and is decorated in a classic and very stylish way. This is where they serve breakfast as well. As usual at any Kempinski hotel, breakfast is amazing and the buffet offers something for anyone! Service was very professional and nothing was asked for too much! I particularly loved the freshly prepared smoothies! They are lovely and a must try!

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No wonder the Atlantic Kempinski hotel in Hamburg is rated among the best hotels in the city. I highly recommend staying here… Rooms are large and luxurious, food is great, the indoor pool is relaxing after a day in busy Hamburg and most importantly, the staff is wonderful! Thumbs up, Atlantic Kempinski Hamburg!

Barsey by Warwick

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Hotelchain: Warwick
Location: Brussels – Belgium
Classification: 4 star hotel
Official website: warwickhotels.com/nl/barsey

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Situated on a very central spot in Brussels on the prestigious Avenue Louize (a fashionable shopping area), the Barsey by Warwick is a comfortable four star hotel with outstanding facilities. I appreciate the fact that the hotel combines modern comfort with traditional elements, very nicely done. The entire hotel has been decorated by the famous French designer Jacques Garcia.

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When I entered the Barsey by Warwick hotel, I knew right from the beginning that this hotel definitely deserves its good reputation. I was welcomed with a smile and felt at home right from the beginning. The lobby area is very stylish and comfortable. It is directly connected to the wonderful bar and restaurant. The Barsey by Warwich truly has this boutique feeling.

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There are 99 guestrooms, each decorated in a very elegant style with attention to details. The junior suite we stayed in was very comfortable and had everything I would expect of a four star accommodation. The bed was absolutely fantastic and everything in the room was spotlessly clean! Most rooms in city hotels are pretty small, but the rooms at the Barsey by Warwick hotel all offer plenty of space! Bathroom had separate shower and bath tub.

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A special mention is The Avenue restaurant, a full service restaurant with an outstanding cuisine. We loved every single dish and service was outstanding. The staff had the right knowledge about each dish and recommended the right wines. As a starter I had the beef carpaccio which was served in a somewhat uncommon but very good way, all wrapped up and prepared with the right ingredients. The steak as a main course was delicious. I highly recommend not to leave the hotel for a good restaurant. Just book yourself a table when you check-in and I promise you won’t be disappointed! 🙂

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On the level just above the lobby is a small fitness facility. Although not too large, you are able to exercise and start or end your day in a sporty way!

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Breakfast is served downstairs and offers a great variety. The buffet has plenty of choices and if you fancy some fried eggs or an omelet, just ask the friendly staff and they will make sure you get the best eggs one could wish for 🙂 I also appreciated the fresh orange juice machine.

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The Barsey by Warwick is a great four star hotel in a very interesting and convenient location. This may not be the most famous and grand hotel in Brussels, but it does offer great accommodations and a fantastic restaurant! I would return to this hotel if I was looking for a nice hotel in Brussels.

St. Regis Singapore

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Hotelchain: St. Regis
Location: Singapore
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: stregissingapore.com

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The St. Regis Singapore is one of the best five star hotels that Singapore has to offer and I was blown away with this hotel. St. Regis hotels are well known for their quality and signature butler service… and I was so excited to find out what the St. Regis is all about, let me tell you why I love this hotel so much 🙂

First of all, the location is great. This world class hotel is located on Tanglin Road and all the main attractions that Singapore has to offer are just a short taxi drive away. When you enter the St. Regis Singapore, you enter a world full of luxury and attention to details. We spotted some nice high end art work in the lobby area. Do take your time when you’re there, you will love the paintings and sculptures throughout the hotel! Check-in was very efficient and friendly. Everything we needed to know about the hotel and facilities were explained in a very professional yet kind way. That’s what makes this hotel unique. Most staff members even remembered my name, which made me feel kind of special and that makes this hotel special in compared to other hotels.

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When we entered our room, an executive deluxe room, I thought they upgraded us to one of their junior suites but actually this room was the lowest category room they have! The rooms at the St. Regis Singapore truly are very luxuriously appointed and decorated. From the hand-painted chinoiserie wallpaper to the most amazing marble bathroom I have ever experienced at any hotel (with a magnificent free-standing bath tub which I love very much :))

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Everything felt right in this room! Our butler explained everything and brought some coffee and tea to the room. And talking about this butler service … it is amazing! Every floor has several butlers who will make your stay unforgettable. Whether you want to order some cappuccinos or want to pack or unpack your suit cases, they will serve you with a smile! Did you know that they even prepare your bath tub upon request? At the time we were there, we felt ill and suffered from a stomach flu. Our butler went to the local pharmacist for us and bought some pills which he recommended. The next day, we felt better. This is what I call top notch service. Every guest at the St. Regis can make use of this signature St. Regis butler service which is included in the rate. I just can’t say enough good things about the butlers! They really went out of their way and I appreciated everything they did for us.

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The St. Regis offers several dining options. The first night, we had dinner at Yan Ting, their signature Chinese restaurant. But first we tasted their Bloody Mary at the Astor Bar. Did you know that every St. Regis hotel has its own specialty Bloody Mary? At Singapore, we enjoyed the Bloody Mary with was richly accentuated with Asian flavors. It was not your ordinary Bloody Mary and tasted good, although a little bit too spicy for me but hey, I was in Asia so I had to try 🙂 By the way, they even have a (virgin) Bloody Mary stand at breakfast!

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Dinner at Yan Ting was one of my highlights during my stay. This intimate restaurant offers delicious and fine dishes. Service was top notch and surprisingly fast. The menu is pretty varied, I had the deep-fried Whitebait fish which came with a homemade marinated radish and pan-fried scallop in teriyaki sauce, but my favorite was the lobster wok-fried rice with homemade XO sauce and braised prawn with pumpkin soup.

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The second day, we had lunch at their Italian restaurant LaBrezza. This restaurant is located right next to the pool and guests can have dinner/lunch outside if they want to. The chef at LaBrezza is Italian himself and the overall quality of the food and presentation was flawless. The food was presented in a very classy way which made it taste even better.

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After all the eating and drinking, it was time to check out their fitness center. The gym is located on the ground floor next to the pool. It is a pretty large gym compared to other hotels. Even the pool has a decent size considering that most guests are staying here for business purposes instead of leisure. A visit to the spa center Remède is a must-do when you are staying at the St. Regis Singapore! After all the treatments I got to experience over the last few years, I actually am getting an expert 🙂 And trust me, the spa treatment at the St. Regis was just amazing. Every guest can enjoy the wet lounge. This marble area (females/males) is the perfect place to relax and unwind. The oversized jacuzzi and heated loungers are top notch and made me feel at ease in just seconds. Before my treatment, I spent some me-time here and enjoyed every single minute of it.

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My therapist customized my treatment and met my needs. No effort was spared to make me feel relaxed. She utilized a variety of techniques to achieve ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation. This 90 minute signature treatment with hot and cold stones was one of the best treatments I have ever experiences and I do recommend booking this treatment when you are looking for ultimate relaxation. Everybody at the spa center was so kind, by the way. Their goal is to surpass all expectations and to make sure you will leave with a fantastic feeling!

After the treatment I went to bed and it literally took one second before I fell asleep 🙂

The next morning, it was time again for breakfast which is served at Brasserie Les Saveurs. To me, this is the most beautiful restaurant I have visited in Singapore. With its high ceilings and elegant furniture, it is the perfect spot for cocktails, afternoon tea’s and breakfast. The buffet style breakfast is excellent and offers endless choices.

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And then, unfortunately, it was time to leave… The St. Regis experience was one to never forget! They are excellent in every single aspect. Highly recommended!

Crowne Plaza Shangi Airport

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Hotelchain: Crowne Plaza
Location: Singapore
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: ihg.com/…l/nl/singapore/sincp/hoteldetail

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Rated as the world’s best airport hotel, the Changi Airport hotel in Singapore truly has it all! This hotel opened in 2008 and still looks brand new. It is directly connected to Singapore’s airport Terminal 3. We landed at the airport at 6pm and it was just a short walk to the hotel, how convenient is that? The cool thing about this hotel is that it actually doesn’t really ‘feel’ like an airport hotel, it is a hidden gem where it is great to relax and have some rest before or after a long flight.

When I entered the hotel, I was pretty surprised by the great lobby. It is grand and pretty trendy. Check-in was efficient, friendly and only took about 2 minutes. I immediately noticed the nice architecture and design. The hotel has been designed by an multi award winning Singapore based architectural firm. After check-in I was so ready to explore the rooms!

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We stayed in an executive room and were pretty impressed with the room. For an airport hotel, they were huge! Normally, you just sleep and go, but the rooms at the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport are great for relaxation. Beds are very comfortable and the oversized desk was appreciated as I still had some work to do. Bathroom was very large featuring separate bath tub and walk-in (rain) shower.

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As we were staying in an executive room, we had access to the luxurious executive lounge. The lounge itself is very comfortable, I could have spend hours here reading books or surfing on my iPad. During the day, complimentary drinks and snacks are offered. During the night, some lite bites (like chicken, pastries, etc.) and alcoholic drinks are offered as well. Even some cocktails! Great touch! I definitely recommend to upgrade to an executive room. In the morning, you can have breakfast here too and when you’re not a big eater you’ll be fine with the small evening buffet.

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As said before, the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport has a lot of facilities. I LOVE swimming pools in airport hotels. For me, it is great to have a swim in the morning before taking a place or relaxing after a flight. The pool area is stunning and very comfortable. Water temperature was excellent. The hotel also has a good size gym with up to date equipment.

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Later that night we had dinner at the Azur restaurant. This all day dining restaurant offers a varies à la carte menu or buffets. The evening buffet is excellent and offers several hot and cold dishes. On the left is the European corner and on the right is the Asian cuisine corner. Quality of the food is excellent here! I tried the chicken rice and since I was travelling around South East Asia for some time, I was so glad to be able to enjoy some western food as well! You couldn’t believe how happy I was when I saw the dessert buffet. Choices are endless and I enjoyed every single bite!

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The Crowne Plaza Changi airport is very luxurious airport hotel which truly deserves its high reputation! Highly recommended when you’re looking for a hotel near Singapore’s airport!

W Bangkok

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Hotelchain: W hotels
Location: Bangkok – Thailand
Classification: 5 star hotel
Official website: whotelbangkok.com

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The W Bangkok is the very first W hotel I featured here and it didn’t disappoint! For those who are not familiar with the W concept, the ultra modern five star hotels are unique! There’s this Whatever/Whenever concept which allows you to ask for anything you want 24 hours a day … Be it a hamburger, a bottle of shampoo or even a personal shopper. Guests are pampered here and the staff will make sure you thoroughly enjoy your stay at the beautiful W Bangkok!

Location is great! The Sky Train is just a steps away. The Grand Palace and several temples can easily be reached by public transportation in just minutes. Also, several shopping malls are nearby. The hotel itself is quite huge with 403 rooms and suites. When I arrived, I immediately fell in love with the colorful and playful interior designs. Cool music, trendy details and the most friendly staff made me feel at ease. I wanted to look behind every corner because they know how to surprise their guests here. I did notice a lot of interesting modern art work as well. The W Bangkok is a true definition of a design hotel with colorful themes all over the place.

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Check-in was very efficient and the Thai hospitality made the check-in procedure even more pleasant. Our keys to the room were handed in just seconds and they gave us enough information about the hotel and its facilities without giving too much information, great! Everybody here seems to work with great pleasure and are proud to work for the W Bangkok.

The spectacular room we stayed in, was spectacular indeed! The design theme is noticeable in the rooms too. It had a good size, an amazing king sized bed with the famous Thai boxing gloves which I love very much J The open bathroom had separate bath tub and walk-in rain shower. The in-room tablet was very convenient and lighting, air conditioning, etc. are controlled through the tablet which is very easy to use. Toiletries are made by the uber-expensive Bliss and are one of the best I have seen in any hotel.

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After exploring the stunning room, I went down for a swim. I read about underwater music and definitely had to experience that myself. Again, the pool area is a trendy spot and has a decent size. The pool itself is beautiful with plenty of cool loungers all over the place. The underwater music makes the W experience complete! A must-try when you are staying at the W Bangkok! The music even sounds better underwater! It is remarkable how they are able to extend the W concept throughout the entire hotel.

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Another bonus is the spa area AWAY. It is known as one of the best spa facilities of Bangkok. I appreciated the cocoon concept which is created with several stylish pod shaped beds. Guests can also choose from different mood lightings and relaxing sounds. The fitness center is large and offers the latest technology equipment. The beauty treatment I got to experience was amazing! The therapist was excellent and made me feel at ease in just seconds. I experienced the 60’ man-kind oil massage and the 60’ man-kind facial. This 120’ treatment was especially created for males.

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The hotel offers several dining options, I had dinner at the Courtyard, The House on Sathorn, their latest culinary venue. The menu was delicious and service was top notch! The way the present the food was amazing and this was the best meal we had while in Bangkok! Do try their cocktails, they are fantastic!

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The W Bangkok is not a standard five star hotel, it is a destination on itself with unique and trendy features and facilities. From the stylish decorated rooms to the most fantastic dining options, I am sure that this hotel will please even the most desiring guests! I expected much of this hotel and they surpassed my expectations! Thumbs up, W Bangkok!

Airport hotel: Van der Valk Brussels Airport

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Hotelchain: Van der Valk
Location: Brussels – Belgium
Classification: 4 star hotel
Official website:  hotelbrusselsairport.com

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Situated near the airport of Brussels, the Van der Valk Brussels Airport is one of the best hotels in the area. This four star hotel truly has it all, from the most accommodating staff to the very comfortable rooms… When you are looking for a nice hotel in the direct area of Brussels Airport, this hotel is a great option! The hotel provides complimentary shuttle service to the airport.

When I entered the hotel, I was surprised by how new this hotel still looks like. The lobby area is bright and I appreciated the friendly approach by the front desk staff. Everything we needed to know about the hotel and its facilities were explained in a very professional yet friendly way. They even offered a glass of sparkling wine upon arrival, always a bonus!

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We stayed in an executive club room and were very satisfied. The room was very large and offered all the amenities I would expect from a four star hotel such as a coffee machine, bathrobes and high quality toiletries. There was a nice comfy couch and oversized working desk. I still had some work to do and am always pleased finding out a comfortable desk with enough space. The oversized bathroom had a large XL (rain)shower, large jacuzzi bath tub and toilet. I can imagine that taking a bath in this tub is the perfect way to relax and unwind after a long flight. Every room at the Van der Valk Brussels airport has a free minibar with both still and sparkling water, 2 soft drinks, a beer and both red and white wine.

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If you are looking for a working out, the hotel offers a full fitness center with up to date equipment and a direct view of the airport. Complimentary water and towels are offered for every guests convenience. There’s an ironing room available as well at no additional cost.

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We had dinner at the main restaurant downstairs, Catharina. The menu they offer is varied and is reasonably priced. We thoroughly enjoyed our cocktails. Oh, do try their (non alcoholic) mocktails too, they are great! Service at the restaurant was flawless, every dish was presented in a professional way and the overall quality was outstanding. The beef carpaccio was delicious … and prepared just the way I like it! As a main course, I enjoyed the grilled chicken and pasta. As most of you know, I always save some room for dessert J The Dame Blanche was the perfect end of a great dinner. The overall ambiance at the restaurant was pleasant and although it was almost fully booked, they managed to serve the dishes within a reasonable timing.

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After a great night (the beds and pillows are very comfortable), it was time for breakfast. As expected, the breakfast was outstanding with several cold and hot items. Some highlights: freshly squeezed orange juice and the à la carte eggs. Once again, service was top notch and everybody seemed happy to serve us in a professional way. Thumbs up, Van der Valk Brussels Airport, this hotel is one of the best options within the direct area of Brussels Airport! Highly recommended!