Posted by Paul Handley on Tue 3rd January 2012 at 09:00 AM, Filed in Luxury Hotels
Get ready for a new type of luxury hotel. The ground breaking contemporary ‘The Set’ brand from Visionary designers Alfred and Georgi Akirov have recently launched their first hotel in Amsterdam – The Conservatorium Hotel.
It looks good enough to be a primary reason to visit Amsterdam.
The 129-room hotel is located in the heart of Museumplein where some of the world’s most famous galleries and museums sit side by side.
Housed in a magnificent turn of the century neo-gothic building that used to function as Amsterdam’s former Sweelinck music school, the Conservatorium Hotel will offer guests an experience that is both locally oriented and world-class, bringing a new sophistication to a city that is currently enjoying significant resurgent interest.
Paying homage to the building’s original lofty ceilings, almost half of the rooms have been configured into stunning duplex layout with oversized functional windows and exposed structural beams.
Commenting on the opening, Group CEO Massimo Ianni said; “We conceived the Conservatorium Hotel in the belief that a hotel should be referential to its location, good design must be functional and exceptional service should be friendly. It is fitting that these are also intrinsically Dutch values and it is our hope that, in its newest guise”.
Under the direction of celebrated Dutch chef, Schilo van Coevorden, the Conservatorium Brasserie and Tunes Restaurant – the specialty restaurant provide seasonal menus, reflecting the Netherlands’ super natural products and history as a global trading center.
Similarly Tunes Bar acknowledges the heritage and liberal diversity of Amsterdam, boasting an exceptional selection of gins, paying homage to the Dutch provenance of the spirit, together with an extensive list of both traditional and innovative cocktails, a gourmet fusion tapas menu and an elevated smoking lounge.
Look out for more luxury hotels from ‘The Set’, based on their debut, this is one design team which cannot be ignored.
A perfect destination for tourists, Boyds Brasserie Bar and Lounge is situated just 1 minutes of walk from Trafalgar Square. It’s a neo-classical, Anglo French environment (if you can imagine that) that has just received a major overhaul, inspired by London’s forthcoming 2012 opportunities (Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, London Olympics, Cultural Olympiad and Paralympic Games).
Boyds is definitely a welcoming space, either for a quick (or long) drink at the bar or a decent three course meal at one of the many tables. What really impresses as soon as you walk in is the towering marble walls, sculpted ceilings, stone fireplaces and grand chandeliers. According to Boyds, Red Bird Design who are behind the design, has taken inspiration for the interior decor from the lively Edwardian period of the 1920s, with an eclectic ensemble of art deco furniture. Black velvet flock patterned wing chairs with chrome runners rather than legs, retro leather sofas, hexagonal black felt stools and fabulous Kings Chairs feature within the lounge. An assortment of unique, brightly coloured rugs complements the marble floor. The lounge serves light dishes, cream teas, coffees and cocktails.
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Sir Rocco Forte is one of the most famous names in the business, and he is still offering memorable and luxurious experiences for guests at his collection of 13 hotels, 12 city based and one golf and spa resort in Sicily.
The Lowry Hotel in Manchester is an award winning five star Rocco Forte hotel on the banks of the River Irwell, located in the recently developed Chapel Wharf, a buzzing area on the boundary of Salford and Manchester. A short walk across Trinity Bridge takes you into the main shopping and entertainment centre of Manchester, so the location cannot be faulted.
The hotel itself delivers what Forte calls ‘The Art of Simple Luxury, a definition based on comfort elegance and practicality’. The reception is large and airy, the staff friendly. Check in was simple enough and we were soon on our way to the 4th floor. Our bedroom was large and well appointed, with a flat screen TV, iPod dock, walk in wardrobe and floor to ceiling views of the city. Being so close to the action it was difficult to know where to start, so we decided to get something to eat. The hotel’s River Bar and Restaurant looked appealing, and with a 3 course Sunday lunch being served between noon and 3pm we were just in time. At a not unreasonable £19.50 per person for 3 courses, the Sunday lunch was proving popular so the atmosphere was quite lively - and the food is fantastic.
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Nestled in the rolling hills between Cheltenham and the Cotswolds lies the ‘Frogmill’, an old mill reinvented as a luxury hotel in the Cotswolds complete with bar and restaurant.
This picture perfect coach house makes the ideal weekend escape, its charming rustic interior transports visitors away from the stresses and strains of modern life as soon as they step in side.
Our delightful little bedroom perched at the top of a winding staircase looked out across the neighbouring villages and farms, wonderful walking terrain after a lazy pub lunch.
Fresh air and exercise is advised if you stay here as food is both hearty and portions generous, it would be quite easy to spend all day whiling away the hours eating and drinking by the warmth of their log fire, and judging by the regulars propping up the bar that’s not all too uncommon….maybe they’ve got the right idea!
We decided to brave the weathers and upon our return sit down to a hard earned evening meal in Adams pantry, the Frogmill’s first-rate dining room. It was hard to choose what to have from their varied seasonal menu so we plumped for classic steak and chips, pausing only to tear up chunks of home made bread and take a moment before rounding it all off with a delicious chocolate pud.
If it’s a slice of old England you’re after this Christmas you’d do well to consider booking into this luxury hotel in the Cotswolds, the charming mill house.
On New Year’s eve a party will also take place in the main hall and guess an enjoy cocktails, a lavish three course dinner followed by live music and entertainment. To find out more details about this luxury hotel in the Cotswolds, just click on the link.
With Christmas a little more than a few sleeps away, I wanted to alert our readers to a wonderful Fine Dining gift experience, an easy way to make reservations for Michelin Star restaurants.
Smartbox, my favourite gift experience company offer a number of high end gift experience packages including the fine dining experience that is ‘Michelin Star Dining’ and ‘Gourmet Escapes’ in association with Time Out.
As a gift experience company, Smartbox offer sensible prices on experiences that you would really like to do. No fuss, just straight forward easy choosing gift options.
The Michelin Star Dining package is for two people and is just £169.00. With 25 leading Michelin star restaurants to choose from, including 7 in London, you may find this gift package being bought more than once.
Payment of the package is simple, as is the reservation of your choice of Michelin Star restaurants.
Simply, a perfect Christmas gift for a foodie.
The Gourmet Escapes package goes a little bit further, keeping to the high end theme. There are 50 locations to choose from all over the UK and the package is £269.95 for two people. Including an overnight stay in a top hotel with a superb dining experience.
Hotels in this package include the Radisson Edwardian Sussex Hotel close to Marble Arch in London and the Rye Lodge Hotel close to Hastings. Rye Lodge Hotel is acknowledged as one of the finest small luxury hotels in the country,
So, I think if you are looking for a Christmas gift for a foodie, Smartbox can help you out.
