If you want to stay near Helsinki Airport, there is a range of options within a 2-mile radius. The Clarion Hotel is one of the top 10 nearest hotels to Helsinki Airport and a great choice if you are looking for a mix of Scandinavian charm and excellent service paired with easy access to both Helsinki city centre and the airport. 

I stayed at the Helsinki Airport Hotel for one night before catching an early flight the following day (The Finnair 07:50 to Heathrow). The hotel has 258 rooms across eight floors.

Location

The hotel is located 1.5km from Helsinki Airport in the Aviapolis area. Many people use the hotel for easy access to Helsinki Airport and good transport links to Helsinki city centre. The Clarion is also just a short walk from the Finnish Aviation museum, a Jumbo shopping centre, Flamingo entertainment centre, and a spa.

How to Get to Helsinki Airport from the Hotel

Although the airport is near the hotel, it is not walkable along a busy road. Here is how you can reach the airport.

Taxi: A Taxi from the hotel to the airport should cost under €30, and the journey takes 3-15 minutes, depending on the weather. Usually, a few taxis are waiting outside the hotel; if not, a receptionist will phone one, which arrives quickly. 

Metro: A metro stop is directly outside the hotel (Avonapolis). The metro takes 7 minutes to reach Helsinki Airport (Lentoasema).

How to Get to Helsinki City Centre from Aviapolis

Taxi: A taxi into Helsinki takes around 30 minutes and costs €45-€65. You can also pre-book transfers in advance.

Bus: Bus 600 goes from 200m outside the hotel (Teknikervägen) and takes 45 minutes. Buses run every 15 minutes (€4.10).

Metro: The metro goes from a stop directly outside the hotel and takes 32 minutes to go into Helsinki City Centre (€4.10).

Check-In

We had a seamless check-in experience. I had to show my passport and tap my card before being given the room key. We waited less than 5 minutes to get to the front of the queue. I was impressed with the hotel on arrival. I loved the decor and all the little details.

The Room

I was very impressed with the room. I was given a double room that was just the right size. I loved the stylish Scandinavian design. There are also superior and deluxe rooms, family rooms (double and two sofabeds), and suites.

Deluxe rooms are on the top floor of the hotel. You will also get a shower, bath, and a Nespresso machine if you choose a superior room. There’s also a bathrobe and slippers, and luxury lotions.

The room felt very homely. There was everything I needed for a night’s stay (or more). The bed was very comfortable, which made me wish I did not have to get up for an early flight!

A well-stocked minibar and a bottle of wine (payable).

The bathroom was spotless, with a lovely selection of toiletries. The shower had good water pressure and a screen meaning the bathroom did not get wet. The shaving mirror was perfect for applying makeup.

There was plenty of wardrobe space (perfect if you stay more than one night).

The room was very soundproofed, with double-glazed windows, and stayed just the right temperature throughout the night despite the snowstorm that started mid-way through. You can compare the picture above to when I woke up in the morning to the first snow I had seen in Helsinki.

Dining and Bars

The Clarion Aviapolis has a good range of dining options:

Breakfast

All guests get a complimentary buffet breakfast. Breakfast is served 6 am – 9.30 am on weekdays and 7 am – 10.30 am on weekends.

Unfortunately, I had to check out at 5:40 am, but the hotel still has a breakfast-to-go area where you can quickly grab pastries, coffee, yoghurts, and juice. This service is available 4 am – 6 am on weekdays and 4 am – 7 am on weekends. 

Kitchen and Table Restaurant by Marcus Samuelsson

The restaurant specializes in international flavours prepared with Nordic ingredients. It is in collaboration with Clarion and Marcus Samuelsson, who has served dinner to Obama and won top chef masters in competition with 21 other chefs. Opening hours are 6 pm-12 pm (11 am on Sundays).

You can also dine here for lunch 11.30 am- 1 pm.

The Bar

The bar is an excellent place to relax after a flight or for drinks after a meal. We tried out the bar after dinner, and I was impressed by the number of drinks on offer. You can even get the Finnish speciality – Minttu (a must-try). 

The bar is open 4 pm-12 pm Monday-Saturday and 6 pm-11 pm on Sundays.

Room Service

During kitchen opening hours, room service is also offered. Whether you feel like having a drink brought to your room or a bite to eat while you work, the option is there!

Other Options

A range of snacks and drinks are available to purchase in the reception area:

If you only have one night in Helsinki, you should also consider going into Helsinki City and trying one of the many famous restaurants. We ate at the Maxill Helsinki, which I highly recommend!

Other Facilities

Sauna: I did not have time to use the sauna, but one at the hotel is open from 6:00 am-10:00 am and 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Nothing is better than getting familiar with Finnish culture than trying a sauna in Finland! This is perfect for warming up after exploring, setting you up for the day, or recovering from a long flight.

Conference rooms: If you are looking for somewhere to host a meeting or small conference, the hotel is located near Helsinki Airport. There are 12 meeting spaces, the largest catering for 250 guests,

Fitness Centre: The Clarion Aviapolis also features a 100-sqm gym 

Pricing and How You Could Get it for Less

Rooms start at £101 and increase significantly in peak season. However, TLFL readers will be pleased to know that you can get your stay for less!

The Clarion Hotel is part of the Nordic Choice Hotels group, which runs over 200 hotels in Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. It is well worth joining the Nordic Choice club if you plan to stay at a Nordic choice hotel.

Even with no stays under your belt. You will still benefit from free coffee, restaurant vouchers, and 5-15% off your visit! When you reach the Platinum Tier, you can match your status with Hertz, have a guaranteed bonus night, and even cancel until 9 pm for the ultimate flexibility.

Another way to see money is to sign up for the Nordic Choice emails for 25% off your next stay.

Other Helsinki Airport Hotels

Other hotel options right on-site  at Helsinki Airport include:

• GLO Hotel Airport
• Scandic Helsinki Airport
• Hilton Helsinki Airport

The following hotels are just a short distance from Helsinki Airport:

• Holiday Inn Helsinki-Vantaa Airport
• Scandic Helsinki Aviapolis
• Scandic Helsinki Aviacongress
• Skyline Airport Hotel

Final Words

I highly recommend the Clarion Hotel Aviapolis if you need to stay near Helsinki Airport or have an early morning flight. It is one of the best airport hotels I have stayed in and has everything you need for a fantastic stay. The only downside was the hotel not being on the airport site itself. The journey to Helsinki Airport is quick but costly, especially if you travel by taxi. The Hilton Helsinki Airport is another good option on the airport site. Some rooms even have a sauna!

Like our Clarion Hotel Aviapolis Helsinki Airport review? You can read more hotel reviews here. If you’re also interested in looking for somewhere to stay closer to nature but still close to Helsinki, The Barö Hotel is a good option. You can read our review of the Baro Hotel here. 

The post Hotel Review: The Clarion Hotel Aviapolis Helsinki Airport and other airport options appeared first on Turning left for less.

My Booking Experience

I booked the Chilworth London Paddington through Booking.com and chose a Deluxe Single Room for 3 nights for a deal price of £313.53. This is the cheapest I’ve seen The Chilworth on a trip to London. I paid online to save time on my arrival. Being a Booking.com Genius Level 3 member, I also received £22 in credits to spend on my next booking. I had £26 left in credits from a previous booking which was put towards the cost of this one.

The Location

The Chilworth is located on Westbourne Terrace, less than a 5-minute walk away from both Paddington Railway station and Paddington tube station exits. It’s also only a short walk away from Edgeware Road tube station. There are many good restaurants and takeaways nearby and a variety of convenient shops in Paddington Station.

The hotel is near Hyde Park, Kensington Palace, Bayswater, and Marble Arch. If you’re thinking of staying in central London before a flight. In that case, The Chilworth has convenient access to the Heathrow Express and the Elizabeth Line to travel to Heathrow Airport. It’s also just a short tube journey away from London St Pancras for the Eurostar services.

The Hotel

Check-In

I arrived at the hotel at 6:30 am, straight from The Night Riviera Sleeper train to drop off my luggage before travelling on the Eurostar for a day trip to Paris! The night staff were very welcoming and stored my luggage with no issues.

I returned to The Chilworth at 9:00 pm and was checked in efficiently after a very long day. Reception has a luxury and boutique feel with a small seating area and carefully designed decor. I was given my room card and luggage before being directed to the lift.

The Room

I booked a single deluxe room located a floor below the ground floor near the spa. Even though the room was on the basement floor, I still had a window with a view up to the front of the hotel.

The single room was small but no smaller than other London hotels I’ve stayed in. The room looked like it had been recently renovated, and there were many storage options. Being a highly-rated hotel, there were extra touches such as dimmable lighting, a sleep button which controlled the lighting and let the cleaning staff know when someone is sleeping, a notepad and pen and some snacks. 

The bathroom was very functional, with a large shower and a variety of complimentary toiletries.

Other Room Types at The Chilworth London Paddington

As well as Deluxe single, other room types at the Chilworth include:

• Compact Double
• Deluxe Double
• Deluxe Twin
• Club Double
• Club Twin
• Deluxe Triple

My room was not as photogenic as some of the more high-end rooms at the Chilworth. I asked to see one of the other rooms, and I was shown a ‘Club Room’, which had been prepped for a guest’s birthday, with a rose petal turndown and lots of extra touches.

The Spa

Unfortunately, during my 3 day stay, I only had time to use the spa once. It’s a very welcoming place to visit to prepare for the day or recover from a long day. The main part of the spa is a large jacuzzi, which has to be booked in advance. You can simply phone from your room, and there’s often availability straight away.

There’s also a steam room, complimentary towels and slippers and a variety of moisturisers and products to try. I liked the extra touch of free bottled water, which you can enjoy on a beanbag after the heat of the jacuzzi. A range of spa treatments are also bookable for an extra cost.

Spa packages can be booked via Treatwell. If you’re not staying at the Chilworth and you’re looking for a spa in the Paddington area, non-guests can also book the spa for a 30-minute slot, book a treatment or even have a spa day. Some packages even include afternoon tea.

Breakfast

I managed to get to breakfast one day. I was allowed in to get my breakfast just before it was cleared away. After an early start, I returned to The Chilworth just before breakfast finished.

The variety was not as big as some of the bigger brands like Novotel, Hilton and Hyatt, but everything I needed was there, including a range of hot options, pastries, juices and cheeses. My only recommendation would be to serve freshly prepared coffee rather than filter coffee.

Breakfast Opening Hours:

Mon – Fri: 7.00 am – 10.00 am
Sat & Sun: 7.30 am – 10.45 am

The Restaurant

There is 1 restaurant at The Chilworth Hotel – The Tumeric Kitchen with a wide range of dishes available. The hotel bar is also open throughout the day, and afternoon tea is served from 2:30 pm-5:30 pm:

Other Amenities

Vitamin C Infused Showers: I was surprised to find that the hotel offers vitamin C infused showers.

Vitamin C Infused Coffee Pods: The hotel bar also offers coffee pods infused with a variety of vitamins. 

Yoga and Meditation: This wasn’t something I tried during my stay, but the hotel offers guided yoga sessions in the yoga lounge or even in the privacy of your room!

Room Service: The room service menu is just as extensive as the dinner menu. The food is delicious, and you can either put a card on your room on arrival or pay when the food arrives at your door. 

Free Umbrellas and Apples: I was impressed with the availability of free apples at the door and complimentary umbrellas, which were perfect for dealing with the British January weather in the afternoon when I set off in a rush to find torrential rain.

Check Out

The checkout process was very efficient. There was no queue, and I handed in my card and was asked how my stay was.

Loyalty

The Chilworth Hotel is part of the Montcalm group and part of the Montcalm Club loyalty program. You can save 10% off the booking price booking direct and earn points towards a free stay. 

The larger hotels are under ‘Montcalm’ and include The Montcalm Marble Arch, Montcalm Royal London House and Montcalm London City. The smaller, more boutique hotels are under ‘Montcalm Townhouse’ and include the Chilworth, The Marble Arch London, The Piccadilly West End and the Barbican rooms.

Being a member of the Montcalm Club, you can get a discount from a range of partners, including Virgin Wines, Heathrow Express, London Eye, Hamleys and Hackett.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I had a fantastic stay at The Chilworth. The hotel provided all the facilities and services I needed as well as being in the perfect location for my trip. It was lovely to be able to use the spa after a long day, and the delicious room service was a bonus too. I’ll definitely be checking the rates on future trips to London.

You can check prices and availability here.

The post REVIEW: The Chilworth hotel from Montcalm, London Paddington appeared first on Turning left for less.

I have booked quite a few stays and flights for other people recently, so I thought it could be worth a quick run-through on which companies allow this and how you do it. It is interesting that some airlines such as BA, allow you to book for anyone using your account online, which makes it easier for fraud, whereas some hotels make it hard to book a room for someone else.

Airlines

British Airways

Can I book for someone else? Yes. It is very simple and easy to do from your account.

How do I do this? Simply book an Avios flight with the passenger’s name and remember to fill in the question which says is the person paying travelling on this booking (no)?

Can I transfer my Avios to someone else or share them? It is very easy to share a small amount of Avios with someone as you can transfer up to 27,000 Avios to another Executive Club Member each calendar year. There is a charge, but it is relatively small now at a flat fee of £15. The other alternative, if you wish to do it regularly, is a household account which is for up to 6 people. There are some drawbacks to this such as Avios being taken from each person in proportion to their balances each time you make a booking. Also people in the account can’t use their Avios for people outside the household account. You can no longer just use your own Avios to book. You can read about household accounts here. 

Virgin Atlantic

Can I book for someone else? Yes

How do I do this? Just book as normal on the Virgin website.

Can I transfer my Virgin Points to someone else or share them? The person you are transferring points to must be a Flying Club member and you will need the details of their Flying Club account to complete the transfer. The minimum number of points you can transfer is 1,000 and Points can be transferred in increments of 1,000. The maximum points that can be transferred in a calendar year is 100,000. However, there is a hefty fee to do it – £75 to transfer 10,000 points for example. 

Flying Club Gold members can transfer points free of charge to make a reward booking. They can also create a Household Account and link a maximum of nine Flying Club memberships with the same household address as the Gold member. All points earned by Household account members will automatically transfer to the Gold member’s account, but each member will earn their own Tier Points towards earning status.

Hotels

Marriott Bonvoy

I recently booked a Marriott stay for someone else, and it was quite a faff, but at least it means your account is reasonably secure if your account got hacked. The stays are known as a gifted stay and 

Can I book for someone else? Yes anyone.

How do I do this? This is only available by phone to your local Marriott centre (numbers on this page). You will have to go through security questions to establish that it is your account, and then the room gets booked in both names even if you are not staying, which is very odd. 

I found the process as painful as having teeth extracted! The person I spoke to had very poor English and did not seem to understand me. Everything took forever for her to do and then despite spelling and saying the name of the person multiple times including phonetically which was a very simple, common name) she managed to spell it as a completely different name! I can only hope it was a new member of staff and that it is not normally this bad. When I called the same number back to have the spelling corrected, they were much better, thankfully. 

Can I transfer my Marriott points to someone else or share them? You can transfer your Marriott Bonvoy® Points to another Member’s Account, but only by contacting Marriott via phone directly (find the number here Customer Support Page) 

Both Marriott Bonvoy® Accounts must be in good-standing and have each been open for at least thirty (30) days with Qualifying Activity, ninety (90) days without Qualifying Activity. The minimum Transfer amount is 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy® Points. You can transfer up to a maximum of 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy® Points, per calendar year, to other Accounts. A Member can receive up to a maximum of 500,000 Marriott Bonvoy® Points, per calendar year, from other Member Accounts, as long as the Accounts are in good-standing and have each been open for at least thirty (30) days with Qualifying Activity, ninety (90) days without Qualifying Activity.

Hilton Honors

Can I book for someone else? Yes, but also by transferring “pooling” the points to them.

How do I do this? Simply transfer the points as per below and then they can book themselves.  Or you can call Reservations and book the stay yourself. Make sure their name and information (phone no, address, email) is on the stay so that they can check in. Ask the reservationists to place a note in the comments section detailing that the stay is a gift (example: John Smith is gifting this stay to his daughter Jane Smith for the amount of 40,000 points.) This way, if there is any confusion about the account holder not being present the hotel should be able to check the notes and determine that the stay is not fraud.

Can I transfer my Honors points to someone else or share them? Points Pooling allows Hilton Honors Members to combine their Points with family and friends to book a stay. With this perk, a Member (and up to 10 others) will now be able to combine their Points. You can combine Points, free of charge, with up to 11 other people into one account. That person could then book a reward stay. 

IHG Rewards

Can I book for someone else? Yes

How do I do this? You can book a Reward Night for someone else by making a booking via IHG’s website or the IHG One Rewards App and then adding an additional name to the reservation.

Can I transfer my points to someone else or share them? Yes, IHG One Rewards points can be transferred to another IHG One Rewards member in 1,000-point increments for a fee of $5 USD per 1,000 points. To transfer points, visit the Transfer Points page.

World of Hyatt

Can I book for someone else? Yes

How do I do this? The best option is for top-tier Globalist status members who can use the Guest of Honor benefit to give others similar perks to themselves.  Hyatt allows you to make award bookings online, but you’ll need to phone agent to add someone else to the reservation. If you are not gold technically you could book the stay for yourself with a second guest but some countries are funny about the second guest checking in on their own, so you’d be better off transferring points if you can. 

Can I transfer my points to someone else or share them? Hyatt points can be transferred to any other member for free by filling in this form. You can only make a transfer once every 30 days. However, both accounts must have had one stay in the last 12 months. 

The post Can I use my hotel points, Avios or Virgin Points to pay for someone else or transfer them? appeared first on Turning left for less.

This was part of my press trip with British Airways to review the new BA/AA lounges at T8 in JFK airport. I had stayed at the TWA airport prior to Covid, so I was keen to see what it was like now.

Location

The hotel is located adjacent to terminal 4 5 and can easily be reached by the air train that runs between terminals. Just follows the signs. Once you get off at terminal 5, (JetBlue), follow the signs to the elevator on the same level as the train platform. Take the elevator down to Level 1. Walk left off the elevator, go through the doors, turn left and cross the street toward the Yellow Parking Garage. Turn left on the sidewalk and follow the covered walkway to the TWA Hotel front door. 

There is a short walk to the hotel outside that is well-lit and has 50s music playing in the flower beds. This confused me somewhat after a long flight, as I thought it was someone’s car radio at first!

Check-in

We were checked in by a friendly agent, but there is also self check-in available. 

The room

We were in the Hughes wing, which meant a walk up the iconic red carpeted tunnel, but it was a bit tricky dragging your case up it!

I had a Deluxe King with Historic TWA View. The basic room is pretty similar but there are suites available too that are more luxurious. 

This is where the hotel could be improved in my opinion. When you compare the rooms to what they were like when I visited before, they are definitely very pared back. However, the size was reasonable both for the bedroom and the bathroom. I also like the style, which was in keeping with the theme with the old-fashioned phone and posters. Near the entrance was a small bench seat which was perfect for hand luggage. 

The bed was comfortable and felt like it had high-quality linens. I would have liked more room on the bedside tables, but I appreciate most people are only staying one night. I did like the wireless charging option by the bed which also had two USB ports. The Wifi was also fast and the TV was large with plenty of channels. 

The room was quiet with no noise from the airport and black-out blinds which kept the room very dark. Just remember to be clothed when you open them in the morning though!

The rooms do not have rubbish bins. Instead, they have a mat divided into recycling and non-recycling, which I am not a fan of. But again, most people are only here one night and probably don’t produce much rubbish.

There is no coffee machine, I had one solitary martini glass but no other glasses at all, even in the bathroom. Others did not have any glasses. There is no robe or slippers. Here is how it looked in 2019:

There was a fridge but it was empty.

You do get a notepad and a pot of TWA pencils which are pretty cool.

There is plenty of room to work at the walnut desk behind the bed, which I thought was a clever use of space and there is a chair if you want to do some people watching in the main TWA building as I had a great view. 

The bathroom was a good size and well-lit with the mirror lights but only had basic amenities. There was soap but no body lotion.  There was lots of room for toiletries or wash bags which was handy if you did not want to unpack but leave a bag out. 

The shower had TWA-branded shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in large fixed bottles. The product itself was fine, but the pump gave out stingy amounts each time which was slightly annoying. The shower was a standard US-type shower with good water pressure. 

The experience

The TWA Hotel opened on May 15, 2019 in the TWA Flight Center airline terminal, designed in 1962 by the architect Eero Saarinen. The TWA Hotel project added two buildings on either side of the existing building.

I love the public areas with the old departure boards, 50s cars and huge spaces. As a fan of that era as well as an aviation fan, I can’t help but be wowed by it every time I visit the hotel. There are several exhibits dotted about including a recreation of Howard Huges office. It really does feel like you have gone into a time machine and stepped back to the 50s and 60s as there is so much attention to detail everywhere. 

Food and drink

There is a food court-type area at the entrance, but for breakfast we tried the Paris Cafe by Jean Georges which is on the mezzanine level. 

Here is the breakfast menu:

I tried the avocado toast, which was pretty good with the chilli flakes and sunflower seeds on top. The paper napkins did make it feel a bit cheap, though. I didn’t think $18 was too bad for the toast. 

The Connie (Constellation) bar

I think this is a must-do but we were too late to visit on this occasion. The Connie bar is on a restored 1958 Constellation and you enter via the steps.

If you want to visit the bar I strongly recommend going early as it is pretty small inside. You can no longer book. They serve drinks and snacks including their own cocktails. 

You can also visit the cockpit.

If the Connie bar is full there is also the Sunken lounge which open until 11pm or 12am at weekends. 

Facilities

The pool

The best feature for me is the outdoor pool which is an aviation geek’s paradise as it overlooks part of the apron and runways. When we arrived, it was pretty chilly at the end of November with what felt like an arctic gale-force wind gusting across the rooftop. However, I could see that the pool was warm enough from the steam rising from it!

There were towels provided, but there are no robes or slippers in the room, so it is not really ideal for visiting a pool in the winter. I wore my coat and shoes to the pool! One of the group managed to request a robe and slippers successfully, but I do think for the price point and luxury hotel positioning, they could provide robes in the rooms. 

The pool was like a bath, and it was a lovely way to “chill” out after a long flight watching the aircraft. Apparently it is heated to 35c in the winter which is close to hot tub territory. There is also a bar by the pool which at that time of year was done out like an Alpine lodge. 

The gym

There is a large and well-equipped gym that is available 24/7.

The curling rink

Every weekend on the tarmac near the Lockheed Constellation “Connie” L-1649A plane, there is a free curling rink on Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting. Use of the curling rink is first come, first served; reservations are not available. All equipment is provided.

There is also a shop selling branded TWA items near the lobby. 

Pricing and booking

The TWA Hotel offers Daytripper℠ reservations for four hours or more from 6 AM to 8 PM. This starts from around $149. Daytripper℠ reservations are non-refundable and may not be moved or cancelled. You need to book them direct with TWA. They also offer early check-in or late check-out for a fee. 

Prices start at $216 per room per night on advance purchase rates, which I don’t think is bad at all. You have to make reservations direct with TWA. You can’t book through online travel agents. 

Conclusion

If you ignore the rooms lack of amenities, I love everything about the hotel. You do feel that you have gone back in time to an age when flying was still glamorous. The public areas are stunning, and I love the novelty factor of the Constellation bar. The rooms are fine in terms of design, style and comfort. However, they definitely are lacking in some fairly basic requirements such as a coffee machine and a proper glass!

It is very easy to get to from other terminals, so you are paying for convenience as well as the novelty factor of the hotel. I would definitely stay again if it was a decent price. 

You can check prices and book here. 

The post TWA Hotel New York JFK airport review appeared first on Turning left for less.

I’ve just returned from a 5-week trip working remotely in Barcelona. Throughout my trip, I’d been using Hotelbreak to book spa days, hotel breakfasts and other unique experiences. I came across an experience at the Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower with the offer of breakfast, lunch and a reserved work room for the day for  €70. This experience was only available in November, so I booked in advance for the last week of my trip.

The Hotel

The Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower is a 5-star luxury hotel located just 5 minutes from Barcelona El Prat International Airport and within easy reach of Barcelona city centre. There are 280 rooms, including 41 suites, 12 duplex suites and a presidential suite featuring views and modern amenities. The hotel is marketed to business travellers, but it’s also suited to all traveller types and has many additional facilities. 

The 29-story hotel has panoramic views of the Barcelona skyline, complete with a gym, spa, paddle tennis courts and swimming pool.

Arrival and Travel to the Hotel

I was staying in the Tres Torres area at the back of Barcelona. Google Maps told me the journey would take 45 minutes on public transport, so I opted for a fixed-price taxi using FREE NOW, cutting the travel time to just 20 minutes. On arrival at the hotel, I was welcomed and directed straight to breakfast while reception sorted out my reserved room.

Breakfast

After trying out different hotel breakfasts on Hotelbreak, this was one of my favourites, along with Hotel Arts and The Seventy Hotel. The breakfast was served as a buffet with the option of having dishes specially prepared. I opted for Spanish-style avocado and tomato on toast and made the most of the buffet options. I was very impressed with the breakfast overall.

The Regency Club – My Experience

The deal included the use of the Regency Club for the day. The club is on the 5th floor and offers 8-person meeting rooms, a relaxation area and an all-day buffet.

The Hyatt Regency club is accessible to World of Hyatt members with Globalist status. Other members are also able to earn one-off certificates. To gain Globalist status, you’ll have to stay at Hyatt properties for 60 eligible nights or host 20 eligible meetings. Some premium rooms also come with club access.

There was one member of staff working at Club Regency throughout the day. He was accommodating, whether choosing the perfect snack or giving me tips. Club Regency was very quiet in early November; only three other guests even entered during the whole time I was there.

Food and Drink

There was a wide range of food and drink offered all day at Club Regency. This mainly consisted of snacks and drinks for people on business trips to eat during their meetings. The concierge told me that they also changed the buffet based on the time of day, but all I saw was it getting cleared. I’m sure this does happen later in the day. In Mediterranean style, there’s also free alcohol on offer at all times of day when Club Regency is open.

The Reserved Meeting Room

I was the only person who had booked the package with HotelBreak that day. The package is actually aimed at bigger groups of up to 8 who need a meeting/workspace for the day. I didn’t actually end up using my reserved room due to the number of other workspaces on offer. However, it was very suited to meetings and air-conditioned well. 

Lunch

Lunch was one of the highlights of the day. The deal included a 3-course lunch from the business menu and bottled water at the Terrum Restaurant. On arrival, I booked my lunch slot with reception. I had a warm welcome and was given the set menu. The menu looked delicious. especially the starters.

The only criticism I would make is that there are no vegetarian options on the starter or mains menu. I eat fish, so I chose the chickpea salad to start. For the main, I opted for the sauteed veg without the fish.

The Rooms at the Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower

Because I used the hotel as part of a day pass, sadly, I didn’t get a chance to stay in one of the amazing rooms on offer. Even the most basic room looks fantastic.

The Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower rooms are split into family rooms (connecting available), twin rooms and double rooms. Guests can book the cheapest room rate (usually a low floor), city view or deluxe city view. Additional upgrades include upgrading to a panoramic room with club access.

The suites at the Hyatt Regency are excellent! The cheapest option starts with the deluxe twin with a panoramic view. The hotel even offers a presidential suite on the 26th floor with fantastic panoramic city views, two bedrooms, an office, a private balcony and even a whirlpool tub.

The Pool and Spa

The Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower also had an outdoor pool exclusively reserved for guests (meaning I wasn’t allowed to use it). The pool area is right next to the  Axis Lounge Lobby Bar & Terrace, where you can get a drink from the signature cocktail menu.

Indoors, the hotel also has the Metropolitan Sport Club & Spa, which includes a fitness suite, spa circuit, pool, a range of sports facilities and even a beauty centre.

Using Hotelbreak

I used Hotelbreak for several 7 different experiences whilst in Barcelona. It’s one of the best websites I’ve had the privilege to come across and the experiences really made my stay! The site focuses on spa days and day passes at hotel pools, but you can also book hotel breakfast, romantic days and business escapes. As well as my Hyatt experience, I loved my day at Hotel Arts, which included breakfast, a massage and private use of the spa, and my spa day at the Seventy Hotel.

Hotelbreak mainly covers cities and islands in Smainly Madrid, Majorca, Ibiza, Malaga, Cadiz and Seville. Hotelbreak is also available in Lisbon, Portugal and Rome, Italy, as well as a few French cities, including Paris and Marseille.

Other experiences at the Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower change based on the time of year, but at the moment, they offer the following:

• A Romantic escape – Breakfast, lunch, spa and a reserved room
• 60-minute spa circuit and lunch
• Dinner with mixology pairing

View the Hyatt Regency on Hotelbreak here to learn more.

Leaving the Hotel

I’d booked a taxi which didn’t actually turn up, but plenty of taxis are coming in and out of the hotel all, so you won’t be waiting long.

Final Words

This experience was just what I needed on my last week – a place to work in the ultimate luxury. The business escape experience is a fantastic idea for anyone who needs a reserved meeting space for up to 8 people, a place to work for the day, or even somewhere to have a layover in luxury during the day. I highly recommend the Hyatt Regency if you’re coming to Barcelona on a business trip or want to stay near Barcelona El Prat Airport.

The post Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower Review appeared first on Turning left for less.

Radisson Hotels have just announced the biggest-ever change to Radisson Rewards. Last week, Radisson Rewards members received a vague email about upcoming changes to the rewards program. This week, the program has been completely revamped, devaluing points. Significant changes include revamping the elite status tiers, realigning perks and membership bonuses, and removing award charts.

According to Radisson, “The New program has been created with a completely new approach to loyalty in mind. The enhancements are meant to make it easier to earn and redeem points, improving upon traditional loyalty programs“. 

The new program does have its benefits, but it also has some significant disadvantages.

Last year, Radisson Hotels and Radisson Americas split, and Radisson America’s ended up joining Choice Hotels. These changes do not apply to Radisson Americas, only hotels outside the Americas. The new points program will only apply to hotels in the Radisson Hotel Group in the following areas:

• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Africa
• The Middle East

Hotels in The Caribbean, Canada, Latin America, and America will maintain the old Radisson Rewards program.

Here’s what you need to know.

Changes to the Existing Tier Program – Moving from 4 to 3

The existing 4-tier has been simplified and replaced with a new 3-tier system, with VIP members reaching the highest tier two times as fast as before.

Club: The entry-level tier is available to all new joiners. 9 points per USD

Premium: The first elite status tier is available after 3 stays or 5 nights. Elite status members can earn 27 points per $20.

VIP: The highest elite status level available after 37 nights of 20 stays. Enjoy 36 points per $20.

The new program will allow users to choose how many points they want to spend on an Award Night by combining points with cash. If you’re only sitting on a small number of  Radisson points, you can redeem them earlier.

Here are the benefits of being part of the new Radisson Rewards program.

You can also earn points for referring new members to the program.

Previously, the program had 4 membership tiers, Club, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, and members earn 20 points per $20 spent. Now members will earn just 9 points per $20. This is a massive devaluation of points and includes points already earnt!

However, with just 3 stays or 5 nights, you’re upgraded to Premium status, and you’ll earn 27 points per $20, which is more than the previous version of the program. If you’re lucky enough to spend 39 nights or 20 stays with Radisson, you’ll be upgraded to VIP status and earn 36 points per $20.

Removal of the Award Chart and Dynamic Redemptions

Old redemptions were done via the award chart. The new program will not have an award chart but will use dynamic pricing.

A major benefit of the new program is the ability to redeem money off your stay starting at just 10 points. The old program required 15,000 points before redemptions could start.

However, the bad news is that reward points now line up exactly with the cash price of the reward night. This makes the value of points the same, no matter which night you book.

You can still redeem points for other things asides from free nights, including in-hotel benefits such as dinner and spa treatments, airport lounges, and airline miles. Points can still be donated to several causes, including SOS Children Villages, First Climate, and humanitarian aid.

Global Partnerships

The new Radisson rewards program will have new travel, financial, and sustainability partners, which expands the range of things you can spend points on. You can now earn 20 points per USD spent on Radisson experiences (before the end of 2022). Other ways to earn Radisson points include shopping at Bicester Villages and car rentals.

Discount Booster

The new discount booster will allow members to increase their stay discount and earn fewer points. This provides increased benefits for those who aren’t interested in collecting points.

Collecting and Transferring Points as a Professional

With the new rewards program, professional bookers and event planners can now share their points with other Radisson members and on personal travel, which can be used to reserve meeting rooms. You can earn 5 points per USD spent on meeting rooms.

What Happens to Your Existing points

Unfortunately, all your existing points will have to be used in the new program, meaning they have been massively devalued overnight! However, there are ways to keep the value of your points which I will outline below.

American Express Platinum Cardholders

You will be automatically moved to the Premium tier if you currently hold a Radisson Gold status through your American Express Platinum card.

How to Keep the Value of Your Radisson Points

The good news is that you can still transfer your points to Radisson Hotel Group Americas, which will maintain the award chart and old status tiers. With Radisson Americas being acquired by Chase, you have the option to spend your points through Choice’s global portfolio of more than 7,000 hotels. I recommend doing this if you’re planning a trip to the U.S. If you’re sitting on a load of points, this may be a good time to start planning a U.S. break.

You can transfer your points from Radisson Rewards to Radisson Rewards Americas (and vice versa) via the Global Points transfer.

• To transfer points from Radisson Rewards Americas to Radisson Rewards visit: www.radissonhotelsamericas.com/en-us/rewards/redeem/global-points-transfer
• To transfer points from Radisson Rewards to Radisson Rewards Americas visit: www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/rewards/redeem/globalpointstransfer 

Is it Still Worth Collecting Radisson Points?

The changes made to the Radisson rewards program has significantly decreased the value of points, even existing points. However, it is now easier to move up through the tiers, and you can now get money off your stay for as little as 10 points, as opposed to the previous 15,000.

Being a member of the Radisson rewards program will still give you several benefits, including member-only rates, room upgrades, the option to make your stay carbon-neutral (325 points per day), and discounts on hotel food and beverages.

In my opinion, it’s still worth collecting points, especially if you’ll be staying at least 5 nights or going on 3 stays so you can move up to the Premium tier and start collecting more points. Remember that existing points and points you earn in the future can still be transferred over to the Radisson Americas Points Program.

Read our recent review of the Radisson Red in Glasgow here, and watch out for the gorgeous Radisson Collection hotel Michele stayed in recently in Tallin coming up soon. 

The post NEWS: MAJOR Changes Announced to the Radisson Rewards Program – Points Devalued appeared first on Turning left for less.

There’s been a whole raft of news recently about some of the world’s biggest hotel brands opening new luxury hotels worldwide. Marriott has just opened an EDITION hotel in Tampa (review coming soon) Florida, and Marriott Marquis has just reopened after extensive renovations. Meanwhile, Hilton, one of my favourite hotel brands, have opened their Shore House at The Del resort in San Diego and the Dubai Palm Jumeirah on West Palm Beach.

IHG has announced the opening of two new luxury hotels, including one in Tokyo in 2023 and a Crowne Plaza/ Holiday Inn Express project at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. Hyatt also has exciting news about expanding the brand in Latin America and the Caribbean, with many new hotels and resorts announced.

Here are some of the best luxury hotels you could stay at or even spend your points at on in the coming years: 

Marriott Tampa EDITION, Florida, USA (Opened)

The New EDITION Tampa Hotel opened in September. It’s located in the Water Street Tampa neighbourhood. Tampa is famous for its culinary scene, fantastic shopping and great attractions. The hotel features 172 luxury guestrooms and suites and has a signature restaurant, stunning Terrace and rooftop bar. There is a focus on wellness here, with the relaxation spa area having six treatment rooms, from Biologique Recherche Skinlab facials to the EDITION Signature Massage.

EDITION Tampa features a 250-guest private space with modern technology and multiple meeting rooms (including two studios and a boardroom) for events. EDITION hopes to set a new standard by providing Tampa’s first 5-star experience.

Michele will be visiting the hotel at the start on November with her Virgin press trip for the new A330 neo launch so will be bringing you a full report on the hotel. 

Newly Renovated New York Marriott Marquis (Recently Renovated)

The Marriott Marquis, right on Times Square, has just announced that extensive renovations have been completed. Renovations include a redesign of the 1,971 guestrooms. Exciting features include walk-in showers with spa-like lighting, new ultra-comfortable beds and increased storage. The restaurants have also had a redesign. 

The  Broadway Lounge restaurant’s menu centres around big flavours and includes wood-fired pizzas, delicious gourmet snacks, and handcrafted cocktails. The Revel & Rye Bar and Restaurant has the vibe of an old-school whisky bar with a cosy atmosphere, featuring over 20 wines and a huge American Whisky list.

The renovated Broadway lounge now has two-story wall-to-ceiling windows overlooking Times Square. The outdoor Terrace now features fantastic views where guests can take in the energy of Times Square from the comfort of the hotel. The new  Atrium Greatroom provides a social space to relax and enjoy the breakfast buffet. The M-Club (Marriott’s signature brand Reserved for Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite, and Ambassador Elite members and paying guests) will be reopening with a capacity of around 200.

Hilton Shore House at The Del, San Diego, USA (Just Opened)

The Hilton Shore House at The Del opened in September and features  75 one-, two- and three-bedroom seaside offerings, which aim to create a home-like environment with all the amenities of a resort.

The outdoor space has day beds, sub loungers and private cabanas backed by an open-air poolside bar and set by a zero-edge seafront pool.

If you’re planning to visit San Diego, why not take advantage of the Welcome to Shore House Offer, which includes daily 10,000 Hilton Honors points and daily $250 resort credit?

Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah (Just Opened)

Hilton celebrated the opening of the new Palm Jumeirah on 2nd September on West Palm Beach, the 34th Hilton Hotel to open in the UAE. The Palm has 608 rooms and features a sizeable temperature-controlled pool (one of the longest in Dubai), a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and a luxury spa. There’s a Pirate Kids Club and a dedicated kids’ pool for families. If you’re looking for somewhere luxury to spend your Hilton Honours points, Palm Jumeirah is the place.

The hotel also has fantastic dining options. Choose from Mowsem, the hotel’s luxury all-day dining destination, the Zing Beach Bar for beachside handcrafted drinks or the Claw BBQ, which features shakes, seafood and retro arcade games. There hotel’s plenty of other eateries at the Hilton Dubai Palm.

Hyatt Zoëtry Marigot Bay St. Lucia (2022)

Set to open at the end of 2022, The Zoëtry is located in the exclusive area of Marigot Bay, the most desirable Marina in St Lucia, and features stunning surroundings and easy access to St Lucia’s attractions.

Zoëtry Marigot Bay features 124 spacious Caribbean-Chic-suites, which feature a large living area and plunge pool. The hotel has Endless Privileges®, meaLucia’serything is included.

There’s a fantastic spa, multiple dining options and stunning pools. Guests can have endless dining and drinks, including 24-hour in-suite dining and Signature á la carte dining. There are many personalised services, including maid service three times per day and a pool/beach wait service.

Special touches are also included, such as a Bottle of sparkling wine and fresh fruit daily and a welcome bottle of St. Lucian rum.

IHG Hotel Indigo, Tokyo (2023)

IHG is due to open Hotel Indigo in Tokyo’s Shibuya district, close to the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, in 2023. This is the 4th Hotel Indigo located in Japan. The hotel has been designed in a Jungle Theme to reflect the local area, where individuality and colours mix and change. The upper floors will have stunning views of Mount Fuji and Tokyo Sky Tree on a clear day. Hotel facilities include a gym, an outdoor terrace and many dining options, including a coffee shop and a neighbourhood cafe-bar. 

Hyatt Dreams Flora Resort & Spa, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (2023)

The Dreams Flora Resort and Spa is set to open on 15th February 2023. The resort is located right on the beach of Cabeza de Toro, with 520 supremely decorated rooms and suites. This family-friendly resort features eight restaurants and 11 bars and lounges where you can enjoy unlimited premium drinks.

Plenty is going on at the hotel. Relax at one of the four amazing pools (including a dedicated kids’ pool), go on a local excursion or book a kayaking trip.

For ultimate relaxation, the spa by Pevonia® is on-site, which has a hydrotherapy area, oceanfront palapa-style cabins and water treatments.

Hyatt Secrets Tides Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (2023)

The adults-only Secret Tides Punta Cana Resort, part of Hyatt’s AMR all-inclusive collection, is set to open in Autumn 2023. The resort will have 670 rooms, with some swim-up suites, six la carte dining options, and 8 bars and lounges featuring unlimited high-end drinks.

The resort will have a fantastic swimming pool, Secrets Spa by Pevonia, a beach, a concierge,  and 24-hour room service. There will be plenty going on here, from daily activities to nightly entertainment.

Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa (Late 2023)

Secrets Resorts will open its first St Lucia resort in late 2023. The resort will have 342 guest rooms and suites. The current St. James’s Club Morgan Bay will have extensive renovations to meet the Secrets standards.

Amenities include five a la carte dining areas, 5 bars, two beachfront pools, a Secrets by Pevonia spa and a fitness centre. With the Secrets Unlimited-Luxury concept, everything is included, from top-shelf spirits to concierge services and activities.

Grand Hyatt Cancún Beach Resort, Mexico (2024)

Hyatt has just announced the opening of the Grand Hyatt Cancún Beach Resort in spring 2024. The resort will be located in the beautiful area of Puerto Cancun, a luxury community with its own marina, protected nature reserve and golf course. Guests will have serene views of the Caribbean sea and Isla Mujeres. The Cancún Beach Resort will feature 500 rooms, with 46 luxury suites (including a presidential suite) and 28 with their own pool.

The hotel will feature three pools, a luxury spa with a serene zen atmosphere, a gym and 11 gastronomic concepts from Italy to Japan and Latin America. There are plenty of activities at the hotel, a kids club for families, an activity centre and even on-site shops. For business trips, the hotel will have a business centre and a large state-of-the-art meeting space area for events of any size.

The hotel joins 18 other Hyatt hotels in Cancún, including those from the AMR brand. If you’re planning your next luxury trip to Cancún, the Grant Hyatt resort will offer everything you need and more.

Marriott EDITION Hotels Lake Como, Italy (2025)

Marriott have just announced they will open a new EDITION hotel on Lake Como in 2025. The differentiated luxury lifestyle hotel will have fantastic views of the Bellagio mountains. It was developed by Bain Capital and Omnam Group and is their 4th development in Italy. For those unfamiliar with EDITION, it’s Mariott’s premium brand.

The hotel will boast 145 luxurious rooms, including two penthouse suites. Guests can use the floating pool and lively restaurant and bar. This hit’s Mariott’sastic choice for anyone seeking a sophisticated luxury experience in Northern Italy in a stunning area just a short drive from central Milan.

IHG  Stockholm Arlanda Airport, Sweden (2026)

IHG plans to open one of its first hotels in Sweden, the dually branded Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn Express property at Arlanda Airport, Sweden, in 2026. Stockholm can the gateway to some good ex EU fares, particularly with Qatar and Finnair. So having more options to stay by the airport is always useful. 

The property is projected to feature 420 rooms (120 in the Crowne Plaza and 300 at the Holiday Inn Express. Guests can benefit from gym facilities as well as a fantastic restaurant. Unlike some of the other hotel options it is not actually at the airport so may suit those that plan to visit the city centre being situated between there and the airport. 

The post Best New Luxury Hotels and Refurbishments by Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and IHG appeared first on Turning left for less.

Today’s review is by Graham. 

I was recently in Glasgow to see Coldplay at Hampden Stadium and needed a good hotel to stay in. I have visited many Radisson Blu hotels in the past and have always enjoyed my stay.

When I discovered that there was a Radisson Red hotel in the city it send the natural choice for our stay.

I was intrigued to see if this new brand would be as good as the other hotels in the Radisson Group.

The Glasgow hotel was the first Radisson Red to open in the UK. Since the hotel opened, two more have followed in London.

Location

The hotel is situated literally just across the road from the OVO Hydro arena and SEC Armadillo making it an ideal choice if visiting a conference or concert. The Glasgow Hop On Hop Bus has a stop across the road from the hotel which will take you right into the city centre. The hotel is a good ten-minute walk from Glasgow Central railway station.

The River Clyde runs by the hotel with one of the grey Finneston cranes still standing, a relic of an age when Glasgow was one of the most important shipbuilding cities in the world.

Check-in

The two automatic doors opened to reveal a sea of red everywhere. The reception was unusually placed to the left of the main door. A warm welcome ensured “You looked very happy” was the greeting I received from the friendly receptionist.  My enthusiasm about visiting this newish Radisson hotel had not gone amiss. The check-in procedure was quick and efficient. 

The Lift

This is something I would not normally comment on though a lot of thought had gone into the decoration of the two lifts. The walls were adorned with on one side, music-related titles and record covers that had all to do with the colour Red, such as Little Red Corvette, The Lady In Red, whilst the other side had film posters such as Red Dragon and Red Heat amongst many others. It certainly gave me something to look at other than staring into a blank space as normal.

Room

We stayed in a Superior Room – Hydro View. The room was light, airy and modern. The montage on the wall behind the bed might not appeal to all tastes – the idea is that it captures the energy, vibe and spirit of Glasgow. 

A separate table with chairs that overlooked the Clyde was a novel idea, named The Picnic Table it seemed in keeping with the fun and casual approach the Red brand aspires to. Tea and coffee facilities were discreetly hidden away in the large wardrobe.  

A safe, fridge, and hairdryer were also housed in the wardrobe too. Wi-Fi speeds were some of the best I have experienced when staying in a hotel. The bed gave a restful night’s sleep. Good to see enough charging points and USB points for phones, IPads etc.

Bathroom

A large bathroom with a rain shower that had enough water pressure to make it function properly. Good to see a vanity mirror too.  Shower Gel and Body Wash were provided in large static bottles.

Gym

The hotel has a small gym with running machines and weights. Towels and water were provided. 

Dining

The hotel has two dining options; the Sky Bar and the Oui Bar Ktchn.  The Sky Bar is mostly reservation only. There is a separate lift from the reception to the top floor of the hotel where the bar is located. The view from the bar overlooks the River Clyde and the city itself. When we visited our fellow diners were a mix of business people, hotel guests and Glaswegians enjoying the exclusivity of the Sky Bar.

As you might expect there was a large selection of cocktails along with a good selection of Scottish Whiskey. The choice of small plates included an Haggis and Sesame Seed Sausage Roll which had a slightly diluted taste from the Haggis I have eaten in the past.

The Oui KTCHN on the ground floor specialises in Pizza which can also be delivered to your room. With red theme continued with pizza names such as Simply Red and Red Devil.

Breakfast is also served in the Oui KTCHN with a continental buffet and a cooked-to-order hot Scottish breakfast with sausage, bacon, Haggis, Tomato Scone, Mushrooms and your choice of egg. A hot veggie breakfast was also on offer too.

Service was friendly and efficient. We asked out server for advice on which taxi company to use to go to the concert at Hampden Stadium, he reeled a list of phone numbers without hesitation. 

Conclusion 

The standards associated with the Radisson brand have been upheld at the Radisson Red in Glasgow. A clean, modern and well-run hotel, I would have no hesitation in booking another reservation at the hotel next time I am in the city. Red Hot, indeed!

You can find more details and prices here. 

The post REVIEW: Radisson RED hotel, Glasgow appeared first on Turning left for less.

You may have to slightly sacrifice location to get the price you want, but when you could save hundreds of pounds and often get a nicer hotel. I think even with the odd Uber cost thrown in, it’s worth it.

One of the best examples is the hotels along Park Lane. Both the Intercontinental and Hilton are very underwhelming for what you pay unless you use points. I recently stayed at the Intercontinental on points, but the room would have cost £525 for the lowest category room in a very dated hotel with few facilities. If you compare that to staying somewhere like the Pan Pacific, it’s like chalk and cheese. 

I’ve chosen hotels that are 5* with a luxurious feel rather than a standard 4* hotel which there are plenty of. These hotels are generally well under £500 a night, but you get a lot more for your money than some other luxury hotels. 

Here are my top picks:

Pan Pacific

This would be my top pick of all the luxury hotels under £400 a night. If you love Asia and Singapore, this gives you a real flavour of that in an elegant and understated way. It’s one of my favourite hotels in London. 

Afternoon tea

The pastry chef is TV celebrity chef Cherish Finden who was formally at the Langham. Her Singapore-style afternoon tea was an absolute triumph, but they also offer a more traditional option. 

The hotel has lots of facilities including a pool, gym, spa and yoga/meditation space. 

It is very close to Liverpool Street station so easy to get around. However, there is plenty to do nearby to with places like Eataly, Brick Lane and Borough Market not far away. You are close to the Thames, St Paul’s, The Tower of London and the Shard too.

In the hotel is a casual restaurant which focuses on Asian favourites but has international choices as well. The atmospheric bar offers some great cocktails and an outdoor terrace. 

Ginger Lily bar

You can read my full review here. 

Prices start from £369 on Booking.com but if you book through our partners, GTC, you can get a number of extra perks:

• $100 USD Hotel Credit to be used once during the stay (exclusions apply)
• Complimentary full breakfast for two daily
• Early check-in and late check-out upon availability
• Property will offer upgrade at time of check-in – subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Welcome Amenity: Seasonal amenity by executive chef Lorraine Sinclair and our world-renowned executive pastry chef Cherish Finden

The Westin London City

Only a couple of minutes’ walk from the river, this is not the greatest location for public transport as the nearest tube is a good few minutes away. It’s situated in the middle of Monument, Bank and Blackfriars with all a similar 10 minute walk away. However, it’s a very new hotel with a great spa and pool and a really good lounge too.

Westin The City’s beautiful indoor pool

It is 7 minutes walk from St Paul’s Cathedral and overlooks Shakespeare’s Globe and the striking Tate Modern. The wine bar, Hithe and Seek, has fantastic views and a wonderful selection of wines and small plates. There’s also a champagne bar in the lobby within the main restaurant. 

You can read my full review here. You can check prices and find more information on the official site. Or if you book with our partner GTC you get the following benefits:

• Early check in/late check out, based on availability
• Complimentary breakfast for 2, per room
• $100 Credit (for select hotels)

Prices start from around £305. 

Hilton London Bankside

Entrance to Hilton Bankside

A glass of Prosecco welcomes you to what I think is the best Hilton in London in terms of value for money and facilities. The large pool is perfect for relaxing and if you want to indulge there is a spa as well. 

Hilton London Bankside pool 

The lounge here is beautifully done with helpful staff and a good selection of drinks and canapes. If you don’t have access, I also like the bar for a late night tipple or to start your evening off. 

Living room of 1 bedroom suite  at Hilton Bankside London

Rooms are very modern and well equipped if a little dark. 

Executive lounge

The hotel is situated within walking distance of Waterloo and around 5 minutes walk to Southwark tube. It’s handy for Shakespear’s Globe Theatre, the Shard, Tate Modern and Borough Market. 

You can read our most recent review here.

Prices start from around £225. You can find out more information and prices here.

Sheraton Grand Park Lane

Sheraton Grand Park Lane standard room

Generally, most of the hotels on Park Lane are old-fashioned and overpriced. The one that has impressed me the most but is just on Picaddily rather than Park Lane is the Sheraton. 

Suite lounge area with views of Green Park

The hotel has a real sense of its 1920s grandeur as you enter, and staff are generally excellent. It doesn’t have a pool or spa, but you are right opposite Green Park if you want a stroll! There is, of course, also a gym.

The location has many of the top hotels, restaurants and shops within a short distance, and the nearest tube station is Green Park. 

Palm Court

I particularly like the Palm Court where you can have afternoon tea or a drink. 

As a Marriott Platinum, I have received a good upgrade both times I have stayed at the hotel. I’ve yet to experience the lounge yet as it wasn’t open the first time I went, and I didn’t have time on my second visit, but it does have one! I popped my head in last time and it looked elegant.

Sheraton Grand lounge

You can read my full review here.

Prices start from £350 You can check prices and book on the official site here.

The post What are the best value luxury hotels in London at the moment? appeared first on Turning left for less.

This article will cover my Hotel Metropole review and other luxury options with deals. This review was part of a complimentary trip with Geneva Tourism Board in July. You can read my guide to Geneva here. 

Hotel Metropole Location

For me, the location was perfect, right in the heart of everything. It is opposite the lake with great views and close to the shopping area, old town, boat cruises and lakeside gardens. It is also well situated for public transport with the no 10 bus leaving from almost outside direct to the airport and a tram stop a couple of minutes away too.

The hotel

The hotel has a long history, was built in 1854 but now has a blend of classic and modern. The recent renovation has retained the historic façade, but now the hotel has a more contemporary interior.

There are steps up to the hotel at both entrances, so it’s worth bearing in mind if you are mobility impaired. As soon as I arrived, a bellman came to take my baggage up the stairs for me. The Concierge and Bell desk are both as you walk through the doors before you go up the stairs. Both of these delivered the old-fashioned 5* service which is so often missing now. Nothing was too much trouble and if I was loitering around, they would enquire if I was waiting for a taxi or needed help. 

I went to reception to pick up my keys and found the staff again helpful and friendly. When I returned later to sort out something, they immediately remembered me which was good. 

Room

I had a Premium category room, but they also have suites.

I’d recommend going for the Premium rooms as they have a lake view and are on a high floor. Some have full-length doors and a Juliet balcony.

The room was definitely modern in feel and had an open bathroom apart from the toilet, which may not suit everyone. I found it well equipped with a Nespresso machine and a good selection of high-end teas.

Two large bottles of still and sparkling water were in the fridge, and further water was left at turndown.

Unfortunately, they also left a white wrapped bar of Swiss chocolate that I didn’t spot and sat on it while watching TV. Let’s just say that it looked like I’d had rather an embarrassing accident on the white sheets! 

I found the bed comfortable with high-quality bedding, and there was an extensive pillow menu to choose from. I would have liked the room temperature a little cooler. There was air conditioning, but although you could set it on 14c as the minimum, it didn’t feel like it ever got below around 20-21c during the hot weather. I did ask them to take a look, so I’d guess this is the maximum it can do when it’s very warm. But it wasn’t uncomfortable – I just like a very cold room for sleeping!

There was no iron, but you could request one from housekeeping which came quickly. The shower was large with both a rain shower head and normal shower head with decent pressure.  I liked the toiletries, which had a neutral scent, although I was not familiar with the brand.

They even provided hand sanitiser too as well as a decent array of essentials.

Dining and bars

The main restaurant is Gusto, where breakfast is served too. They also have a sister restaurant 5 minutes from the hotel, which does fine dining. It has a lovely outdoor area with lots of flowers right by a fountain, which is a lovely way to start your day with an al fresco breakfast.

I was very impressed with the included breakfast. The selection felt very premium and good quality, from the choices of butter to the beautiful croissants and freshly squeezed juice. The staff were also attentive and friendly. You could choose from the buffet, which had a cooked breakfast selection as well as fruit, charcuterie, cheese, cereal, salads, bread, yoghurt and pastries. There was also an a la carte section too. 

The croissants were amazing, so light and flaky. The bread was also extremely good, especially with the delicious butter.

I spoke about the Met Rooftop Bar and its amazing views in this article, but to recap, it’s well worth a visit whether you stay there or not. The food was great (the Croque monsieur with truffle is the must-have), and there is a fantastic view as well.

In the winter months, there is also a very sophisticated bar near reception, the Mirror bar, which I didn’t have time to sample, but it looked very elegant. 

Facilities

The only drawback of the Metropole is that it doesn’t have a pool like some of the other 5* hotels, although you may not have time to use it anyway! It does have a gym , with equipment including free weights, treadmill, bicycles, and a multi-exercise machine. You can also borrow the hotel’s electrical bikes. 

Booking

Prices start from around £360 per night. The hotel is part of Preferred hotels, so it is worth joining the loyalty scheme iPrefer to get any discounts and perks which you get even at the base level. 

You can check prices and book here.

Other hotels in Geneva

If you are looking to keep costs down or plan only to spend a short time in the centre of Geneva, the Hilton Geneva & Conference centre is worth considering. I stayed last year and you can find all the details here.

In the centre of town there are a large number of 5* hotels including the Mandarin Oriental and Four Seasons. The Four Seasons has a better location than the Mandarin in my opinion, right on the quayside of the lake by the main bridge to the old town. Other luxury chain hotels include Intercontinental (outdoor pool)  the Ritz Carlton, Hotel President Wilson, A Luxury Collection Hotel (rooftop pool) Geneva and the Fairmont. There are also numerous independent hotels, such as the Beau Rivage, which is more classic and La Reserve which is more contemporary. 

Our partners, GTC luxury travel agents offer special amenities with most of these hotels such as hotel credit, upgrades and free breakfast with flexible rates. You can check the price and availability of rooms here. 

Like our Hotel Metropole review? You can read more hotel reviews here. 

The post Luxury hotels in Geneva: 5* Hotel Metropole review and other luxury options with deals appeared first on Turning left for less.