Category: Europe
New luxury hotel in Glasgow
By Paul Johnson on Jan 13, 2006 in Accommodation, Europe, Hotels, Regions, United Kingdom, Western Europe
Glasgow’s prestigious old Royal Scottish Automobile Club in Blythswood Square in the city centre has been bought by a luxury hotel group and will be turned into a luxury 109-bedroom hotel. Edinburgh firm The Town House Company intends to restore the building to its former glory with conference facilities, restaurants, a bar and first class 
Malmaison Edinburgh
By Paul Johnson on Jan 13, 2006 in Accommodation, Europe, Hotels, Regions, United Kingdom, Western Europe
HotelShark, an online lodging guide, has this week bestowed the Fin Award for Service Quality on the Malmaison Edinburgh. A recent guest of the hotel described it to HotelShark as a “trendy city hotel” with “power showers,” “sophisticated” guestrooms, and a “hotspot” of a bar. With “young and friendly” employees, this “converted seaman’s hospital” 
Wings Over the Mediterranean and North Africa
By Paul Johnson on Jan 13, 2006 in Africa, Europe, Italy, Libya, Malta, Morocco, Portugal, Regions, Spain, Tunisia, United Kingdom, Western Europe
Crisscrossing the Mediterranean in high style, this new adventure from INTRAV features the culture, history, and beauty of Europe and North Africa. After overnighting in London, guests begin the adventure in Sintra, Portugal (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Two nights in Fès offer the mix of French, Arab, and Berber cultures, while a three-night trip 
Waterfall spa in Leeds, UK
By Paul Johnson on Jan 13, 2006 in Europe, Regions, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, Western Europe
The new Waterfall spa in Leeds has just opened. Designed specifically for ladies only, the spa will pamper, indulge and delight its guests with their five-star facilities, outstanding treatments and little treats! From the moment you step into Waterfall, your troubles and aches will disappear as you are whisked away to heaven on earth. Walnut Condé Nast Traveller magazine exclusive evening
By Paul Johnson on Jan 13, 2006 in Accommodation, Europe, Events, Hotels, Magazines, Regions, Travel Equipment, Travel Literature, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe
Elegant Resorts, Condé Nast Traveller and Boodles would like to invite you to attend an exclusive evening of entertainment at the Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park, London on Wednesday 22nd February to celebrate Conde Nast Traveller magazine’s 100th ‘Gold’ issue. Enjoy the best in fine champagne on arrival at 7.30pm, followed by a sumptuous gourmet dinner 
Yotel coming to London airports
By Paul Johnson on Jan 12, 2006 in Accommodation, Air Travel, Business Travel, Europe, Hotels, Regions, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, Western Europe
Yotel, the radical hotel concept unveiled at last year’s World Travel Market, confirmed in December that it will open its first two hotels at London Heathrow and London Gatwick in mid-2006. The move follows a major investment by Kuwaiti-based IFA Hotels & Resorts, a subsidiary of International Financial Advisors (IFA). At Heathrow, the Yotel will 
Hotel Palace Berlin
By Paul Johnson on Jan 11, 2006 in Accommodation, Europe, Germany, Hotels, Regions, Special Offers & Packages, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
The Hotel Palace Berlin is one of the leading 5-star hotels in the German capital and has an excellent reputation as Berlin’s private gourmet and convention hotel. Located in the city center, guests enjoy outstanding service and can now take advantage of low rates from January to April 2006. Rates are from EUR 109.00 per 
Nicola Benedetti at Gleneagles Hotel
By Paul Johnson on Jan 11, 2006 in Accommodation, Europe, Events, Hotels, Regions, Special Offers & Packages, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe
Virtuoso violinist and BBC Young Musician of the Year in 2004, Nicola Benedetti, is to give a private recital at Gleneagles on Sunday, 19th March 2006. The evening includes a Champagne and canapé reception, gourmet dinner with wine, overnight accommodation and breakfast. Price is £620 per room, per night, based on two people sharing 
Dining at the Romantik Hotel Tennerhof
By Paul Johnson on Jan 11, 2006 in Accommodation, Austria, Europe, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Restaurants, Western Europe
Adored by everyone, the elegant restaurant at the Romantik Hotel Tennerhof at Kitzbühel is under the direction of chef Thomas Ritzer, one of the best in Austria. Ritzer’s cuisine is based on classic Austrian cooking with a light Mediterranean-Asian accent. Menu includes a Brennessel (nettle) cream soup with sheep-cheese croutons, duck-liver tart with caramelized red-wine 
The Dancing Gourmet
Award-winning cookbook author/chef Linda Hymes (The Dancing Gourmet) premiers her luxury Loire Valley tour by special invitation of Paris-based organization, Routes François I. Join the Dancing Gourmet to visit the “valley of kings” with Relais & Châteaux accommodations, Michelin chef cooking and chocolate mini-courses, specialty wine tasting sessions and exclusive private guided visits to selectGrand gaffe
By Paul Johnson on Jan 10, 2006 in Accommodation, Europe, Hotels, Regions, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe
It’s been reported that managers at one of Britain’s most luxurious coastal hotels – the Grand Hotel in Brighton – have confessed that credit card numbers, signatures and addresses of thousands of guests had been thrown into a dumpster and left on a public street. Registration cards listing sensitive financial details of visitors to the 
Villa Dievole in Tuscany
By Paul Johnson on Jan 08, 2006 in Accommodation, Bars, Europe, Going Out, Italy, Regions, Restaurants, Vacation Rentals, Western Europe
This sixteenth Century villa was once home to Florence’s nobility but can now serve as your own private home from home in Italy. Your perfect Tuscan escape begins just outside Siena at Villa Dievole, which houses a very good winery, restaurant and outdoor bar with live music on weekends. 
Arion Astir Palace
By Paul Johnson on Jan 07, 2006 in Accommodation, Europe, Greece, Hotels, Regions, Resorts, Western Europe
The Arion Astir Palace is one of three hotels forming an impressive modern resort. It is is the hallmark of exclusivity. The hotel features a prestigious, club atmosphere, in contemporary surroundings enhanced by spectacular views of the sea. Luxurious rooms and suites delight the senses with an aesthetic touch at every turn, designer furniture, and 
Le Colbert Paris
By Paul Johnson on Jan 07, 2006 in Accommodation, Europe, France, Hotels, Regions, Special Offers & Packages, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
Throughout January 2006, Le Colbert hotel in Paris has a winter special offer starting at €90 per person. The rate is for one night’s accommodation in a classic double room, is subject to availability, and does not include taxes. Discover the beauty of Paris this winter! 
Billy Zane at Cliveden House Hotel
By Paul Johnson on Jan 07, 2006 in Accommodation, Celebrities, Europe, Hotels, Regions, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe
‘Titanic’ star Billy Zane presented fiancée Kelly Brook with an antique necklace during a Christmas celebration with the bride-to-be’s family at Cliveden House Hotel, a Berkshire retreat once frequented by Queen Victoria. The hotel is set amid 376 acres of magnificent formal gardens and parklands, yet is conveniently located near to London and London Heathrow 
