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The Spanish hospitality group Barcelo Hotels & Resorts plan on expanding into the United Kingdom in a major way. They have acquired the lease and rule over Paramount Hotel Group to begin their own management plans in the UK. Over the next three years, beginning this coming January, Barcelo has big plans to manage a total of 40 hotels in the short span of three years. These new hotels will be in addition to the 160 hotels in 14 countries that the hospitality giant already manages. Barcelo plans on furthering its reach and increasing its position in the UK and eventually stretching into Europe. 

Come January 2008, Barcelo will have their new UK Hotel Directory within its worldwide directory. The company’s website – www.barcelo-hotels.co.uk – is working steadily to ensure the update makes its due date.

As Barceló CEO Raúl González says “We are excited to be entering the UK market after attaining the lease and management control of the Paramount Hotel Group. The introduction of the Barceló brand in the UK is part of the company’s broader strategic plans to establish its position as a global hospitality company and gain increased recognition.”

Some hotels that are to be incorporated into the brand over the next few years are as follows; Scotland’s Troon Marine Hotel, Stirling Highland Hotel and the Edinburgh Carlton Hotel; Northern England’s Blackpool Imperial, Shrigley Hall Hotel Golf & Country Club, Redworth Hall Hotel, Harrogate Majestic Hotel and the Buxton Palace Hotel; Central England’s Daventry Hotel, Hinckley Island Hotel, Walton Hall, Oxford Hotel, Cheltenham Park Hotel, Billesley Manor Hotel and the Lygon Arms; Southern England and Wales’ Basingstoke Country Hotel, Brighton Old Ship Hotel, Torquay Imperial Hotel, Combe Grove Manor Hotel and the Cardiff Angel Hotel.

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If you are heading to Rome by chance and want an excellent hotel for your stay, the Daphne Inn is your place. It is elegant yet urban, cool yet collected, high tech yet sophisticated. Dubbed one of the best places to stay in Rome by Telegraph UK, it just doesn’t get much better than Daphne Inn.

Services are highly personalized so that each guest gets exactly what they need… or just what they want at the moment. The staff pays no heed to spoiling everyone who walks through the door. The fashionably understated rooms provide many modern amenities. The perfect location, at Piazza Barberini, is a stone’s throw from the Barberinin metro station. It only takes a few moments to get to many historical sights such as the Trevie Fountain and the Spanish Steps.

The best part about the Daphne? It’s low winter pricing. Although many budget travelers would not be able to stretch their means during the pricy high and mid seasons, during the low seasons – which run from December through February – a single room is nearly half the price it normally is, 100EUR to be exact. In the bustling city of Rome, it doesn’t get much better than a luxurious hotel at an affordable price in the heart of the city.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.org

The five star London Hilton on Park Lane has been dubbed the “England’s Leading Business Hotel” on numerous occasion, most recently by the World Travel Awards in 2007. The fourteen function rooms hold anywhere from two to twelve hundred businessmen. Other business oriented amenities include an Executive Lounge, a business center and wireless internet access in several public spaces. To further accommodate industry needs, each room has high-speed internet access for those who must plug in and work during their stay.

But the Hilton Park Lane is not all work and no play. Rather, it is quite the opposite. Situated in the epicenter of the elusive Mayfair district, one of the first things guests will notice are the completely gorgeous views of London, especially from the 28th floor of the tasty Galvin at Windows restaurant.  Because of its unique situation it is close to many fantastic tourist attractions as well such as the London Eye, British Museum and Hyde Park. After a long day at work, businessmen can unwind at the POP Bar or Trader Vic’s with a cocktail or they can opt to go to their executive room which offers access to the hotel’s relaxing Jacuzzis.

Right now, the hotel has been special offers that run through the holiday season from December 1 through February 29. There is the wonderful Make Your Winter Sparkle offer which gives up to 30% of if you book a Hilton Mini break over the holidays. You can also opt for the Experience the Magic of Tutankhamen, Bed and Breakfast package which runs the longevity of the great King’s 10 month stay in London.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.org

London, England’s Travelodge Hotel Chain has seen a high increase. No, it is not a growth in the number of travelers nor is it a growth in revenue but rather a growth in the amount of naked sleepwalkers?! Yes, you have read it correctly. The Travelodge Hotel’s in London have all seen the number of sleepwalkers triple in the last few years. This year alone the chain has seen nearly 400 occurrences of nudie sleepers strolling their halls and reception area. Although most of the night staff has been advised on how to handle clothed sleepwalkers, this new phenomenon called for an updated approach on handling walkers in the nude. All staffers have taken a course on how to handle this particular type of sleepwalkers who are usually asking for directions, the bathroom, a paper and coffee or for an early check out. Employees have also been taught the importance of getting the walkers back to bed and not letting them past the front door, since one exposed sleeper recently got locked out of the hotel and arrested.

How and why this occurring is is the real question. Although they are not 100% sure the Travelodge is banking on stress, alcohol abuse and lack of sound sleep. Oddly enough, nearly 95% of the bare bottomed roamers have been men. Talk about an unusual day at work!

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This year the World Travel Awards dubbed the Draycott Hotel in London as England’s Leading Boutique Hotel. The hotels boasts the phrase, “If you’re in search of a small elegant five star hotel in London that’s replete with luxurious finishes, grand interiors and staff on hand to satisfy your every whim, look no further than the Draycott, a luxury London Hotel situated between Chelsea and Knightsbridge.” If that doesn’t say it all, I don’t know what does! The Draycott has furnishings that are luxurious yet homey. They feature many unique amenities such as a chauffeur service, concierge that will book any ticket in town including dinners, Playstation and games to go along, guest computer and Wi-Fi internet access and complimentary events such as tea and biscuits, champagne and hot chocolate. It is also surrounded by many fantastic restaurants and locations that are within walking distance so you never have to venture too far from ‘home.’

Right now the World Travel Awards favorite English boutique hotel has many special offers and packages.  For 495EUR, the Romance package can whisk couples away in an overnight stay full of beautiful red roses, chocolates, champagne, teddy and a full breakfast. The Churchill package is offers accommodations for 290EUR, two adult tickets to the historic Cabinet War Rooms, two tickets to the Churchill museum and a full breakfast – all to pay homage to the legendary Winston Churchill himself. A third package which is currently being offered is the “Two Cities – Two Palaces” for those who want to explore a little more. Two nights in a room in London, a visit to Buckingham Palace, afternoon tea and breakfast is 320EUR. For a change of pace guests can then stay at the Howard in Edinburg for 275EUR for a two night stay, a Scottish breakfast, tea, a team of butlers and entrance to the Palace Holyrood.

The Draycott offers more than just good service. They also offer wonderful amenities and packages that compliment life. 

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.org

The active VIVAHOTELS, a Florentine Hotel Group, is featuring many wonderful offers over the course of the December and January which provides a unique way to spend your holidays with someone special.

With five hotels throughout the beautiful city, VIVAHOTELS has assumed the role of repairing important works of art and spreading the word about ancient artistic values as a part of their company philosophy. Hence, there Art in our Heart program was born. Right now, just by visiting specified museums like the Uffizi Gallery, you can save 20% on your room rate by handing over your museum entrance ticket at the reception area. All guests involved in this discount program will also receive a Participation Certificate for their support in the restoration of the Giovanni Antonio Bazzia masterpiece painting titled Sodoma. Visitors will also receive a free admittance ticket to the National Photography Museum Fratelli Alinari and the “Florence in the time of Cezanne” exhibition. The free ticket from VIVAHOTELS also allows a 10% discount at the museum book shop.

By simply booking a minimum of three nights at two particular VIVAHOTELS locations – Viva Hotel Laurus al Duomo or Viva Hotel Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio – guests can also receive an automatic 25% discount on their room through the “experience emotions in the heart of Florence” special offer. If visitors are not looking to stay in the heart of the city, by booking three nights at Viva Hotel Alexander, Viva Hotel Capitol or Viva Hotel Fleming, they will receive one night free.

For those looking for a fun way to spend New Years Eve, the Viva Hotel Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio is throwing a big bash on their private terrace. The group is offering a New Years Eve special which includes two  nights stay in a double room with a delicious buffer breakfast and inclusive New Years’ Even Dinner. Dinner comes complete with five distinct and delectable courses and guest’s choice of red wine, Pinot grigio, water, champagne or coffee. This fantastic celebration starts at a rate of 266EUR per person.

Hurry; most of these incredible values are only valid through the first week of February!

Photo of the Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio’s terrace courtesy of Wikimedia.org

The historic Gran Hotel la Florida in Barcelona, Spain is the epitome of “a room with a view.” Seated atop Mount Tibidabo 300 meters above Barcelona the Gran Hotel la Florida features sweeping panoramic views of the city as well as the beautiful, lucid Mediterranean Sea.

Originally the Gran Hotel was opened as the Hotel Florida by Dr. Andreu in 1925. The Dr. wanted to fulfill his lifelong dream of building the finest hotel in the finest location. He surely accomplished his goals! Soon after, the hotel was filled with many prominent people like Ernest Hemingway, James Stewart, Rock Hudson, Princess Fabiola and the Prince of Belgium.

In recent years, 2001 to be exact, the hotel was completely renovated with three goals in mind: reinstate the antique decorative and structural elements of the old Hotel Florida, respect the natural environment surrounds the hotel and use the mountain top views to the full advantage. Out of this restoration came a more decadent Hotel Grand la Florida. Keeping with the integrity of the objectives, the interior and facade combined olden Barcelona with new. Rooms with gorgeous terraces overlooking ocean views, a large patio for all to share the scenery, a stainless steel swimming pool which offers exquisite views of Barcelona and beautiful private gardens keep with the refurbishment goals and add a unique touch to this fine establishment at the peak of Barcelona. 

Photo courtesy of WikiTravel.org

The well known Wyndham Hotel Group has recently announced its newest set – The Wyndham Grand Collection. The collection of hotels are to be “an ensemble of elegant, one-of-a-kind hotels… aimed at guests looking for unique experiences in distinctive destinations around the world.” The hotels get into their settings and feature interior designs that reflect the local surroundings, culinary cuisines, events and attractions. This new type of hotel allows guests to completely immerse themselves in the regional culture no matter what Wyndham Grand they are staying at.

To boot, the new collection of hotels are chic and luxurious. President Peter Strebel of Wyndham Hotels and Resort boasts that they will “offer guests world-class service, elegant surroundings and thoughtful touches on a grand scale.” The Wyndham Grand Collection hotels are to be constructed around the world including stops in European cities such as London and Paris.

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Located in London’s most prestigious district, the Ascott London Mayfair has been dubbed Europe’s Leading Hotel Serviced Apartment by the World Travel Awards 2007. All of the boutique apartments offer many amenities including a beautiful 1920s Art Deco interior, a fully equipped kitchen, entertainment system, board room and daily grocery shopping and maid services among others. Guests can also choose from a cozy studio to a massive three bedroom apartment.

The ideal location is also nearby many fantastic London attractions such as Park Lane, St James Park, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Hard Rock Cafe, Piccadilly Circus, the British Museum and shopping at Harrod’s. The rates are also affordable at 200EUR for a stay of one evening.

Here at Ascott London Mayfair, whether your stay is for business, pleasure or both, you won’t have to lift a finger! Don’t believe us? Ask the all knowing World Travel Awards board!

A few months ago, March 30 to be exact, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group announced that it will be opening one of its hotels in Barcelona, Spain’s prestigious Paseo de Gracia district. The Mandarin is certain to be Barcelona’s most elite hotel.

Barcelona is known for its rich history and deeply rooted culture. Located in the city’s epicenter, the hotel will be surrounded by the best of both worlds in the commercial and the entertainment districts. The ideal location is surrounded by favorite tourist attractions, fine dining, excellent shopping and beautiful culture sites.

The hotel itself is also a historic part of the city. It is being constructed in completely refurbished mid 20th century building. The interior stylings will be lavish and elegant yet modern right down to the last detail. Of the 144 rooms, the planned 52 spacious suites will be some of the largest in Barcelona. Delicious cuisine and a tranquil, holistic spa environment will be the utmost in relaxation. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Barcelona is set to open in 2009.

Photo of Mandarin Oriental London really gives a taste of the luxury the hotel will bring to Barcelona. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia.org