Merriam-Webster defines luxury as:
a : great ease and comfort; a sumptuous environment
b : something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary
c : an indulgence in something that provides pleasure, satisfaction, or ease

All definitions flawlessly describe my stay at The Lowell last week, and my perfect night’s sleep on a Savoir Bed. Positioned on a quiet, tree-lined street off Madison Avenue, The Lowell sits in the heart of New York’s Upper East Side. When on ‘the road’ I always miss my home, but look forward to an indulgent stay in a fabulous hotel to offset my mal du pays. I have been fortunate  to stay at and review many wonderful hotels. Usually when I arrive at a new hotel I am filled with excitement and anticipation, yet, on occasion, the rooms lack a distinctive or noteworthy character. The Lowell, without exception, upped the ante and delivered on every level, especially the unique and luxurious scale. With only 72 individually decorated rooms and suites, the hotel exudes tailored sophistication, while lavishing its guests with personalized service and attention to detail. Little surprise, it is a favorite haunt of both dignitaries and celebrities alike.

My sitting room in the Manhattan Suite

The Lowell’s distinctive style is best described as graceful, sophisticated, contemporary opulence. It has the feel of a private residence; the lobby is cozy with a European sense of style, and the staff is extremely hospitable. However, the rooms, many decorated by Michael Smith, are the real treasures; at no time did I feel as if I were stuck in a hotel room. Truthfully, I wanted to move in to 12a (the Manhattan Suite), which is said to be inspired by Chanel. In my dream world I would have stayed in the room, just as Madonna did for a year. The bookshelves were filled with fabulous books, the two terraces boasted large candle lanterns (perfect for sitting outside at night), and the kitchen was stocked with fresh cheeses, Dean and Deluca snacks, teas, and Veuve Clicquot.

Among the many sumptuous touches were fresh fruit, soft slippers, water at turndown and a plentiful selection of Bulgari amenities in the bathroom. My suite also included a wood-burning fireplace, an equipped kitchen, an iMac, Bang & Olufsen telephones and, perhaps best of all, a Savoir Bed. While I have a partnership with Savior, this was the first that I had the opportunity to sleep on one of their completely handmade beds; it truly was amazing. My occasional morning back pains seemed to disappear overnight. Plus, it was the perfect Goldilocks bed…I was never once too hot or too cold. I can now honestly say that I have found the perfect hotel (and bed). I cannot wait to return.

The Manhattan Suite Bedroom with Savoir Bed

With more than 1,500 hotels in the City of Light  locating the ideal accommodation on a reasonable budget can be challenging. And, when it comes to finding an idyllic place to stay I can be exceedingly picky.  I want ambience, location, a well-appointed room, and a friendly staff. We have stayed in Paris several times and still count the Hotel Louis II among our favorites in terms of value and atmosphere.

The Hotel Louis II is a charming boutique hotel in the heart of the Saint-Germain-des-Près district. Housed in an elegant 17th century building, the hotel was fully renovated in 2006. Each of the 22 rooms boasts original exposed wood beams and period furniture, yet benefit from all modern comforts. As with most Parisian hotels the rooms are on the small side, but they are exceedingly quaint and filled with sunlight.

Each morning we felt very much like  houseguests while having breakfast in the beautiful lounge (pictured above). Savouring fresh fruit, cheese, and pastries from Gérard Mulot (and of course espresso) is a wonderful way to start the day.

Hôtel Louis II
2 rue Saint sulpice
75006 Paris
Tel. 33(0)1 46 33 13 80

Calle Vallaresso, San Marco 1332, Venice, VE, 30124 Italy
www.hotelmonacovenice.com

The Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal is a former 17th century palazzo that has been flawlessly converted into a classic hotel with excellent service. Overlooking the Grand Canal, the hotel is located in one of the most charming and atmospheric areas of Venice. The hotel also enjoys majestic views of the Church of Santa Maria della Salute and the island of San Giorgio. Across from Harry’s Bar and one block from St. Mark’s Square, there is little question it’s a choice location.

Although only a few of the guest rooms actually overlook the canal, each is a tasteful mix of elegance and simplicity. I have stayed at the hotel on two occasions, once in a room overlooking the canal and one overlooking a small lane. No doubt the water view was spectacular; but in all honestly, I preferred the interior of my “non-view” room. It was quaint with a very large tub, walk-in-in closet, silk fabrics, and a sumptuous chandelier. Some of the rooms are a little tired in that old-European-aristocracy sort of way. But very charming nevertheless.

Usually when I travel I  tend to venture away from my hotel for lunches and dinners. That said, The Grand Canal Restaurant has an excellent reputation for fresh seafood, vegetables, and local cuisine. A dinner on the terrace is an unforgettable experience, as is the pesto soup.  When Gwyneth Paltrow was in Venice for to attend the premiere of Contagion, she had lunch at the Grand Canal Restaurant. Smitten with their whole wheat spaghetti with anchovy sauce, she requested for the recipe for goop (see here).

My only complaint, is the same one as always, paying for expensive wireless is always annoying.

Thanks to Mr & Mrs Smith I recently had the pleasure of staying at The Chambers Hotel in New York. I had heard much about the hotel and was eager to experience it for myself—I was not disappointed. The Chambers Hotel has successfully managed to move New York City’s downtown art scene to a coveted Midtown location (56th Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues). More than 500 original, museum-worthy pieces of artwork grace the walls and guestrooms of the upscale hotel.

Each hallway is an impressive de facto art gallery. On the ninth floor, for example, you will find a sculptural installation by Alison Shotz, whose work has been shown at the Whitney Museum of Art, and on the fifteenth floor the work of John Waters. Other commissioned artists include: Tara Donovan, Sheri Mendelson, Harold Nolan, and Do-Ho Suh. The airy and elegant guest rooms resemble an artist’s loft, with enormous windows, more artwork, funky lighting, glass-topped architect desks with tons of pencils, and direct dialing to Henri Bendel.

Each day I was greeted by a very friendly staff and a roaring fireplace; the perfect touch in January. And just off the cozy lobby is David Chang’s Má Pêche (think French-Vietnamese). In fact, it is the chef’s only Momofuku location above 13th Street. The food was so delicious that I had lunch and dinner there in the same day. Throughout the building the décor is neutral and calming, with just the right amount of color, texture and art. It is also luxurious and comfortable (in an unpretentious way). With only 72 rooms and 5 suites you feel like a familiar and welcomed friend after a long day in the city.

Last week both my husband and I had to be in London for business. However, being that it is Christmastime, we were determined to make it a proper getaway…at least to the extent time would allow. Lucky for us Christmas came early in the form of a two-night stay at The Baglioni Hotel (Thank you Mr & Mrs Smith for the introduction!). Part of the Baglioni Italian collection, the hotel is la dolce vita realized in the heart of London’s Kensington. Just east of Kensington High Street, opposite Hyde Park, the location (and view) is as desirable as any.

An oasis of Italian luxury, complete with dark, hardwood flooring and gorgeous Murano chandeliers, the entrance is exquisite. Location and interiors aside, the service at the Baglioni is impeccable. Within seconds of arriving a member of staff approached us, offering a glass of sparkling water and an introduction to our personal butler. Before being taken to our suite, the friendly and affable General Manager, Luca, came to greet us and welcome us to his hotel.

Following a chat with Luca, we were introduced to our butler who walked us through the hotel. We were escorted to our room overlooking Kensington Gardens, with a quick stop by the spa to confirm my afternoon appointment. Of the 67 luxuriously furnished bedrooms, 49 are suites. All accommodation at the Baglioni comes complete with butler service, and I do have to admit that it comes in handy when you realize the sheer amount of options that the hotel has to offer (a spa, fitness centre, valet parking, beauty salon, hairdresser, plasma TVs, an Illy espresso machine in the room, garment pressing and multilingual staff). Not only did we need her to introduce us the bewildering array of gadgets, but her instruction in the proper use of the room’s espresso machine was vital as was her immediate supply of ice for a quick cocktail.

Our hideaway on the fourth floor was a cozy, yet spacious enclave that was perfectly crafted. Rich chocolate browns and soft golds accentuated the room, Italian artwork lined the walls and a fireplace took center stage in a sitting room lined in sumptuous fabrics. My favorite room, though, was the black marble spa-like bathroom with hammered copper basins, limestone walk-in rain shower and over-sized sunken tub (complete with bath foam).

After unpacking, a visit to the Savoir showroom and cocktails with a new friend at the Savoy, I arrived back just in time for my hot stone aromatherapy message. I made a quick change into a bathrobe, resisting the urge to linger in the aromatherapy steam room. I was then welcomed by Emily—arguably one of the best massage therapists I’ve met in ages.

Feeling a bit too relaxed from my message (as if that was possible) and a little too tried from work and travel (that is definitely possible), we asked the concierge to suggest a casual-yet-nice-gastro-pub. He nailed it on the head when he suggested the Mall Tavern, a gastropub in Notting Hill Gate.

Each morning at the Baglioni we enjoyed a fabulous breakfast buffet served at Brunello in the hotel’s lobby. We occupied a spot next to the window, the perfect place to enjoy decadent espressos, smoked salmon, cheeses, fresh breads, yogurt and fruit. Richard, our waiter each morning, was truly the best…polite, friendly and attentive. On the second day he immediately remembered that we had requested apple juice, coffee and English breakfast tea the previous morning and, after confirming we were still so inclined, procured our beverages immediately.

Although is it was a short and very full trip, our stay at the Baglioni certainly made it feel like a luxurious getaway…if only for a few hours each day. Counting the days until we can return with nothing on the agenda!

My husband and I just returned home from The Glasshouse Hotel in Edinburgh. This is our second visit and one of our very favorite places to stay. Voted as ‘one of the top 50 coolest places to stay in the world’ by Condé Nast Traveler, the hotel also won the Scottish Style Awards’ Most Stylish Hotel.

The Glasshouse has just 65 bedrooms. When you are walking around the hotel it seems so much larger than 65 rooms. The hotel does not have a public bar or restaurant. They do however serve breakfast and have an honesty bar that is very well stocked. The hotel is not open to non-residents to ensure privacy and an intimate setting. The hotel is ingeniously designed, melding modern and medieval architecture in a most creative way. Guests enter the hotel through the grey stone facade of the 150 year old Lady of Glenorchy Church, then step into the modern glass lobby.

The hotel boasts the only rooftop garden in Edinburgh offering unparalleled views of World Heritage Site Calton Hill and its collection of 19th century buildings and follies, including the Old Observatory and Greek Parthenon. The perfect place for a wee dram or an aperitif.

The rooms on the top floor are designed in a semi-circle. Each with huge floor to ceiling windows and direct access to the rooftop garden with Philippe Starck chairs and your own small patio. It’s the perfect hideaway from the bustle of the city below.

Royalton Hotel – New York
Anonymously reviewed by Ronda Carman
Our New York cab driver completely misses the Royalton. He drives past without even realising the nondescript facade is a hotel. We only discover we’ve passed it when the numbers on the buildings indicate we should have arrived, but haven’t. Not seeing any signs of a grand hotel, we start to question the address scribbled down on our handwritten note. Then the driver calls out to a passerby and we are assured we have arrived.
READ FULL REVIEW HERE

St James’s Hotel & Club – London
Anonymously reviewed by Ronda Carman for Mr & Mrs Smith
Bond Street, Park Lane, Mayfair. All of the coveted properties of the London Monopoly board line the path to our hotel. As a child, you just knew that you were a winner if these cards were in your hand, and as an adult it’s no different. With each passing street and landmark, we realise we’re in for something very special.
READ FULL REVIEW HERE