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Tuesday, 8 March 2011

North Korea is Best Korea

we’ve had the April issue of “Time Out New York” lying around at my apartment for some time. A few days ago, I picked it up and noticed a rather fantastic ad for a travel agency, Koryo Tours, on the back cover. It promised me “the trip of a lifetime” to “Asia’s best kept secret.” Where exactly did this group wish to send me? North Korea.
I thought it was a joke at first. Some weird viral marketing campaign for shampoo or detergent or something, piquing my curiosity with an impossible website to generate hits for some American corporation. I went to my room and opened my browser, slightly annoyed that by visiting the site I’d be lending legitimacy to an ad campaign seeking to capitalize on “Web 2.0” and “the Twitters” and all that. Or, I thought, maybe the magazine was just trolling me. Was print ad space that cheap nowadays? But no, I went to the site, and it was real. Somewhere out there, in this crazy world, there is a company turning a profit by sending tourists to North Korea. So I decided to make a highlight reel. I mean, if North Korea is good enough for Justin Bieber, it’s good enough for me.
Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang, one of the largest and most beautiful hotels in the world.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Wikipedia tells me, is “the world’s most isolated country,” “a totalitarian Stalinist dictatorship” with “one of the world’s worst human rights records.” The country has also “suffer[ed] from constant famines which have killed millions.” Already brimming with excitement for my North Korean adventure to begin, I went to the pricing section of the Koryo Tours website. Tours, priced in North Korea’s preferred hard currency (the Euro), generally range from $1500 to $2000 in USD.
It costs two grand to go to North Korea?! What gives? I checked the website’s FAQ. Koryo Tours set my mind at ease, patiently explaining, “The tours are extremely good value for money because they are all inclusive. We employ the best guides and pack the itineraries with exciting places to visit and things to see. We provide the best possible tour itinerary and our experience tells us that if you cut any corners you end up missing the best sites and get a second grade trip. We are aware that tours are expensive but the basic reason for this is that tourists to the DPRK are obliged to have a full service package.” I am glad that Koryo Tours only has my interests in mind and wants to ensure I have a full service package.
Full service package: Being herded around with a dozen forty year-old dudes.
But, how is the food in North Korea? Will I be able to eat three square meals a day? I’ve heard a lot about famines in the country, akin to China’s shortages under Mao. What is it really like? “DPRK is a country that has suffered severe food shortages over the last decade and western NGOs have been operating in the DPRK for many years.” Oh. “The food situation for the normal people of North Korea is still in a critical state, the supply of food still barely reaches the demand so the situation is still tenuous and malnutrition is a serious problem.” Oh… “However as a visitor and guest in the DPRK you will be well fed with 3 meals a day including meat and fish. The food in DPRK is far from fantastic but is not too bad, some meals are very good and some are just good enough.” Oh! That’s ok, I guess.
North Korea actually has way more electricity than this. They just don't use it in a show of solidarity.
The advertisement also lauds North Korea’s “revolutionary opera,” grand, majestic affairs detailing the vibrant history of Korea under its Eternal President. For instance, A True Daughter of the Party “tells impressively of the heroic exploits of Nurse Kang Yon Ok, a woman fighter who devoted her youth and life without hesitation to the Party and the Leader and to the revolution during the Korean War against the U.S. imperialist armed aggressors.” Or we have Kim Il-sung’s own Sea of Blood which “reflects the burning hatred of the Korean people against Japanese imperialists which turned the country into the sea of blood, their firm determination to revenge upon the enemies a hundred and thousand fold, their confidence in the revolutionary victory and their ardent aspiration after building a new society. The revolutionary opera Sea of Blood opened a new history of creation of genuine operas.”
This chart displays how many aces Kim Jong-il shoots per 18-hole round of golf.
What about interaction with other people in North Korea? One of the most rewarding and exciting parts of any trip to a new place is seeing how people there live, talking to the locals and getting a feel for a totally new culture. “You are free to attempt a dialogue with a local but do not be surprised if they are not interested in talking to you. However it can be very rewarding when you do manage to make some human contact.” Well, I’m sure there are at least some expats, right? I mean, I’d at least like to talk to someone other than the handful of tourists I’m with. “There are now around 140 resident foreigners in Pyongyang excluding Russians and Chinese.” Oh well. I guess I’ll just wander around. Take in the sights, see what interesting and varied things I can find in North Korea. “There are many restrictions on the movements of foreign visitors to DPRK. You basically have to be accompanied wherever you go (you can however stroll in the grounds of the hotel without your camera!)”
I was just kidding about that hotel, by the way.

The Atlantis Hotel In Dubai is The World Most Beautiful Hotel

Atlantis is the majestic focal point of Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island that has captured the world’s imagination with its magnificent scale and ingenuity. From the moment of arrival, you’re immersed in a dazzling world of imagination, pleasure and luxury. The resort offers relaxation and thrills for couples and families alike, including a landmark hotel, unique marine habitats, an exhilarating water park, pristine white beaches, world-class cuisine, indulgent spa and cosmopolitan boutiques. To stay or visit is to live out your dreams amidst warm Arabian seas. Antatis
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atlantis-hotel-in-dubai-water-bed
atlantis-hotel-in-dubai-shark-tank
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Hotel 71, Chicago

Hotel 71, ChicagoPhoto:
Hotel 71 Hotel 71 is billed as a modern urban boutique hotel experience, and I can't think of a better way of describing this over 450 room hotel located at the epicenter of downtown Chicago. Each one of the 32 luxurious suites at this hotel average about 1,200 square feet of living space and feature spectacular views of downtown and the Chicago River.
Every room is furnished with a contemporary style in mind, and amenities are seemingly endless. All of this luxury comes with a price though; upwards of $500 a night for the King Suite to be exact.

Aana Resort & Spa, Koh Chang

Aana Resort & Spa, Koh ChangPhoto:
Aana Resort & Spa Serenity is the name of the game at the Aana Resort & Spa located on the Klong Praow Beach in the Gulf of Siam. Aside from the spectacular natural beauty of the landscape in this region, the private villas here are equally as impressive and yet very simple. It's all about bringing the outdoors in at these luxurious villas, including large sun decks with private jacuzzi pools overlooking the incredible views below which is what makes Thailand such a special place to visit.

Adriana, Croatia

Adriana, CroatiaPhoto:
Adriana The Adriana is definitely one of the top hotels in Croatia, as a matter of fact, it has made plenty of top 10 lists as one of the coolest hotels anywhere in the world. The interior in this recently renovated hotel is chic, urban club-land, which is shown through the use of smooth geometric shapes, mood lighting, and bold blocks of colour. Each room here features cool LED mood lighting, etched frosted glass showers, and unique furnishings.

Hotel Glo, Helsinki

Hotel Glo, HelsinkiPhoto:
Hotel Glo, HelsinkiPhoto:
Hotel Glo Probably the best example of an urban hotel in all of Finland, Hotel Glo is a modern hotel with smooth lines laced throughout the interior. This 144 room hotel makes good use of soft chocolate-brown leather inside of the entire building on both the walls and in the furniture design. The rooms are very minimalistic in design, but offer a wide range of features, even the option of turning any room into a spa simply by request of the customer!

Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, Sultanate of Oman

Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, Sultanate of OmanSix Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay The pool villas at Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay effectively blur the line between the inside of the luxurious room and the beautiful outdoors with lots of large sliding windows and outdoor living spaces. The minimalistic design approach is evident everywhere you turn at this amazing resort. The finest suites at Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay feature copper bathtubs, private gyms, wine cellar, and private infinity swimming pool.

Thursday, 3 March 2011

Small Hotels Barcelona: Catalonia’s Pearls


Barcelona – a fantastic holiday destination for lovers of culture and art and friends of the Spanish way of life. The capital of the northern Spanish province of Catalonia is indeed something special. It is the city of the famous Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi. He created countless prominent buildings in the city. The most famous example of his art is the cathedral Sagrada Familia. This was created in the early 20th Century as a very special version of Art Nouveau, which only Gaudi influenced in such a way. Unfortunately, he himself was not able to witness the completion of this sacred building any more. The more so it is now fascinating tourists in the city. Also the Casa Mila and the magnificent Park Guell was created by Gaudi in his own inimitable style, which was formative for a number of other Spanish architects.
La Casa de les Lletres Apartaments, Barcelona La Casa de les Lletres Apartaments, Barcelona
Charming hotels are located throughout the city center of Barcelona. Perhaps this is exactly what makes the city so special that there are always distinctive, unique hotels with very particular architectural styles, but always with the typical Spanish flair. Finding small hotels Barcelona requires only a clear idea whether you’d rather like to stay in a modern building, in an Art Nouveau house or in a typical old Spanish architecture. Gorgeous hotels are the starting points for superb trips in this city, which UNESCO declared a World Heritage site. Definitely worth seeing in Barcelona are also the works of two great artists: Joan Miro and Pablo Picasso, who both have their own museums and who were in particularly formative for this northern Spanish city.
DestinationBCN Apartments, Barcelona DestinationBCN Apartments, Barcelona

Mediterranea Luxury House: Tuscany at its finest

Escapio’s success story started with a few small, but unique hotels in Tuscany – houses not to be found in any catalogue and much too individual for mass tourism. The Mediterranea Luxury House at the Etruscan border was part of the portfolio from the beginning and ranks among the most beautiful and popular Escapio hotels in Tuscany, to this day. Where lies the special charm of that small luxury accommodation? First, there is the engaging owner Micaela, who anticipates every wish of her guests. For instance, children under 14 are not allowed. It is not that Micaela does not like children. On the contrary, many of her guests are doting parents, but sometimes want to spend some time just as a couple. An understandable need, I know, as I am myself a mother of twins and, during a long-awaited and well-deserved getaway, almost grew desperate due to screaming little machos at the luxury pool in Oman … Micaela, in any case, has realized her personal dream with her little hotel, and she lets her guests share in it.
Hotel Mediterranea Luxery House Golden Suite
The Mediterranea has only two suites, the white one and the golden one. The latter seems a little more opulent, almost oriental, with loads of cushions and a big bed with curtains. Equally romantic, but kept all in white, is the white room. The furnishing shows a lot of style and great attention to detail. Both suites are the perfect places for proposals, which should be met with a high rate of success. Or you spend your honeymoon here: there is hardly anything more romantic. A heavenly view over the sea, a spacious yet intimate garden with pool and pavilion plus the best breakfast in the world, which can be taken either in the bedroom or on the terrace. Every morning Micaela is waiting with a new surprise, be it cheese, dolci (sweets), hand-made bread, different coffee specialties, fruit juices and egg dishes. That little hotel is a dream the likes of which can hardly be found, even in the wonderful Tuscany. A German couple, guests in the Mediterranea in May 2010, summarize: “A Tuscany dream – dream mansion, dream garden, dream view and dream breakfast”. Hotel owners cannot wish for a better compliment!
Garten Terrace
Each of the suites is not only beautifully furnished, but holds some great extras for its guests. Among those are beach towels, sun cream, a basket with utensils for a picnic, a miniature wine cellar and a cooler for champagne bottles. Micaela happily gives recommendations for romantic picnic spots and excursions to extraordinary places, beaches and sights. Of course she also offers insider tips for the best restaurants in the region. From the Mediterranea, you can conveniently reach the lovely beaches of the Etruscan coast, the urban highlights like Florence and Siena, and the island of Elba. Who feels like spending some nights in that outstanding Tuscan hotel should hurry: the two suites are often booked long in advance, so make your reservations early.

Now Open: Second Ritz-Carlton Shanghai


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Guestroom at the spectacular new Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong.
With 285 rooms, sweeping views over The Bund, and the most intact collection of Art Deco architecture in the world, The Ritz-Carlton’s second Shanghai property, occupying the top 18 floors of the IFC South Tower, is first-class luxury and style down to the last detail.
Complimenting The Ritz-Carlton Portman, Shanghai at Puxi on the other side of the Huangpu River, The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong offers guests unrivalled views of The Bund and the city’s skyline, exquisite choices in fine dining, and the 15,000-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA, which features 10 treatment rooms where the essence of ancient and modern Chinese, Indian, European, and Balinese spa cultures are combined with luxury ESPA products to provide complete care, personalization, and the ultimate luxury spa experience.

Ten of the Year’s Best New Hotels


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Guest room at the Viceroy Anguilla.
For the fifth year in a row, the experts at Travel + Leisure have logged countless miles to assemble a handpicked list of “the absolute best hotels to open around the world this year.” (T+L) With a goal to discover how the crème of the 2010 crop are reshaping their destinations, each of the properties that made the grade deliver an authentic sense of place.
We’ve selected ten hotels from this year’s It List of 45 for your consideration:
Andaz Wall Street, New York City - Wall Street looks a little brighter at this tech savvy, David Rockwell-designed gem where each of the 253 guestrooms is flooded with natural light from seven-foot-high windows.
Banyan Tree Cabo Marques, Acapulco - Asian-inspired design mixes flawlessly with authentic artisanal Mexican details along a quiet southern stretch of Acapulco.
Bardessono, Yountville - The world’s second LEED-certified Platinum hotel is a modern marvel.
Crosby Street Hotel, New York City - Anglophiles will appreciate this splash of London chic on a cobblestoned block in SoHo.
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, Mahé - Undoubtedly the hottest new place to stay in the heavenly white-sand Seychelles, Four Seasons’ first outpost in the islands is the definition of breezy Indian Ocean luxury in every detail.
Gansevoort Turks & Caicos, Provdenciales - South Beach meets the Caribbean, a stone’s throw from the divine white sand of Grace Bay beach.
Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona - A stylish multicultural surprise in an unassuming former bank on the upscale Passeig de Gràcia, complete with rooftop infinity pool.
St. Regis Princeville, Kauai - A successful renovation of this 25-year-old hotel has transformed it anew into the place to stay on Hawaii’s Garden Isle.
Viceroy Anguilla, Barnes Bay - Modern twists and abstract art surprise and delight at this 166-room retreat, situated ideally between a pair of white-sand beaches.
W Santiago, Chile - Unparalleled views of the Andes from your room or the rooftop lounge and pool will wow you at W Hotels’ first South American property.
To see the complete list of 45 properties, visit Travel + Leisure.
Find a great luxury hotel for your next trip today on Perfect Escapes.

Bayswater Inn Hotel, London 3 Star


our opinion:
Comfortable and simply styled hotel located in quiet residential area, yet in the heart of London. Queensway, Bayswater and Paddington are all an easy walk, making all parts of London easily accessible by underground. Rooms at the Bayswater Inn Hotel London have been redecorated offering tasteful, simple modern accommodation within bright surroundings. Informal ambience. Click here to read more.
location:
Click here to see the Bayswater Inn Hotel, London on a map of London.
special offers:
Find out about any special offers and rate reductions we have for the Bayswater Inn Hotel, London and other hotels in London.

Huttons Hotel, London 2 Star Superior

handpicked by our hotel experts,click here to learn more
our opinion: A great 2 star hotel in London located close to Victoria and Westminster. Converted townhouses which have been run as a family owned hotel since 1980. Small but light and welcoming reception area. Corridors are fresh and maintained and have recently been refurbished. Although simple they are clean and cheery with laminate flooring, light walls and soft furnishings. The bathrooms are capsule in design - cream with small sink toilet and walk in shower (similar to ship cabin) - it is functional, clean and allows maximum space in the bedroom. Great standard and value 2 star accommodation in London.
customer rating : 3.56 out of 5 (16 customers rated this hotel)
within 20 minutes walk : Westminster, Victoria, riverside including London eye, Buckingham Palace, Houses Parliament
underground /bus/tram: Victoria Station is approx. 10mins walk from the hotel - you have several tube lines, mainline trains. Coach station and Gatwick Express trains.
restaurant: There is no restaurant at the hotel but there is a bright, clean breakfast room.
from airport: From Gatwick take Gatwick Express train to Victoria and then walk or take taxi. From Heathrow take Heathrow Express to Paddington and then underground to Victoria or taxi to hotel. From Stansted take Stansted express to Liverpool Street and then underground or taxi to hotel.
parking: No private parking; public parking nearby approx. £20 for 24 hours
rooms: 54
business facilities: No business facilities
disabled facilities: The hotel is not suitable for wheelchair users. Although there is a lift to all floors it is quite small and corridors and bedrooms would not be suitable.
family info: There are no rooms suitable for 2 adults and 2 children there are rooms which have 3 separate beds and rooms with double and single bed.
breakfast room: bright, clean breakfast room.
bar: No bar at the hotel
standard room: There are smoking and non-smoking rooms. Hotel consists of townhouses converted therefore room size may vary but all are clean and bright with same facilities. Bathrooms are compact and of a capsule design - functional and clean, shower only. Triples can be 3 separate beds or double and single.
address:
Huttons Hotel, London
53-57 Belgrave Road,
SW1V 2BB
London
United Kingdom

City Break hotels in London

london
We’ve chosen five hotels from our handpicked selection, which we think are perfect for your London city break. From the refined luxury of the Crowne Plaza St James’ to the affordable comfort of Huttons, we have catered for all budgets. Leave your hotel needs to us and enjoy your city break in London - one of the largest and most exciting cities in Europe.

Hotel Lancaster, Paris Hotel Lancaster, Paris

Hotel Lancaster, Paris

Hotel Lancaster, Paris

It's almost impossible to live more comfortably this close to the Champs-Elysées. It's still evident at the Lancaster that, until the late 19th century, it was a private villa. Marlene Dietrich lodged a whole three years in suite number 45. During the last renovation both Dietrich's suite and the overall charm of the house were kept in tact.

Nightly Rates from: EUR 280

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