All posts by Stefanie

The Browns Hotel. London,UK

Hotel of the Week, , , , ,

On my last trip to London, I found that the Brown’s Hotel was the British equivalent to the New York Plaza Hotel. With its classic style, elegance and attentive service, guests feel as if they were part of the Royal Family.

In 1837, the former valets of Lord and Lady Byron, James and Sarah Brown, decided that London was in need of better housing for travelers. Thus, the Brown’s Hotel opened its doors as London’s first hotel. Over the 175 years of its operations, the hotel has lodged a plethora of famous guests like, Alexander Graham Bell, Rudyard Kipling and Agatha Christie. In fact, Winston Churchill was quoted saying,” I never stay in hotels. I stay at Brown’s.” Today, the hotel has done a fantastic job maintaining the old-charm of the building while making sure to live up to its luxurious reputation.

Located in Mayfair, the Brown’s is in the heart of London. Only a few blocks away from Regent and Bond Street, guests are just minutes away from London’s best shops and art galleries. In addition, the hotel boasts gorgeous views of the greenery in Green and Hyde Park.

But before you leave the property to explore London-town, be sure to attend the award winning “High-Tea” served in the English tearoom. Guests are given the choice of 17 different teas to choose from in addition to scones with clotted jam, cucumber sandwiches and much more. And if you are overwhelmed by the amount of teas, the hotel has two “tea sommeliers” who are present to make sure guests chose just the tea they want.

And when it comes to rooms, the Brown’s does an excellent job living up to its standard of luxury within each of the 117 rooms. Each room is decorated to embody the traditional British formality with a touch of charm. And in terms of suites, it is no wonder that the Brown’s housed so many famous figures. In the Kipling suite, guests can sit back and relax while reminiscing on the fascinating history of the property.

Overall, the Brown’s was a must-see during my trip to London and should be for all Posh Voyage travelers out there!

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Number Sixteen. London, UK

Hotel of the Week, , , ,

One of my favorite discoveries during my rapid getaway to London was hotel Number 16. To pedestrians, this white-stucco Victorian terrace appears to be an upscale home to some Londoner, and not a quiet boutique hotel.

Enter the hotel’s warm and inviting lobby where guests can escape from the commotion of busy London town. Each of the hotel’s 41 rooms are individually decorated to make a stay at hotel Number 16 unlike that of any other. The décor is just the right mix of contemporary-chic and classic English, making for an aesthetically pleasing experience. Rooms vary in size and some even offer a private courtyard overlooking the property’s meticulously kept gardens.

Although the hotel has no restaurant, they serve afternoon tea in the garden, and have a simple yet yummy room service menu. The drawing room and library are the perfect common area for guests looking to unwind after a day exploring the city. Whether you are curled up by the fire with a cup of tea or enjoying a cocktail at the hotel’s honor bar, hotel patrons have the perfect balance of cozy and chic.

Also located in South Kensington, guests are closely situated to the tube station that connects to major travel hubs like Heathrow and Paddington Station. And for guests looking to explore the area, London ‘hotspots’ like Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Harrods and the Natural History museum are all within walking distance of the hotel.

When it came time for my stay to end, I was devastated leaving this London gem. But good news is, there will be plenty more trips to London which means, plenty of more stays at Number 16.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

The Blakes Hotel. London, UK

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During my journey to London, I searched the city high and low for new hotels to add to the Posh Voyage London guide. Through my travels, I discovered The Blakes Hotel- an incredibly unique property located between South Kensington and Chelsea.

The Blakes Hotel made its grand opening in the late 1970’s as one of the first boutique hotels. Where Asian-chic meets classic British design, the decor is eccentric and unlike that of any hotel in London. Rooms are individually themed- ranging from British Raj to Egyptian paradise-which makes for an exceptional stay.

Although the Blakes is located in the quiet residential area of South Kensington, guests are just seconds away from the hustle-and-bustle of London’s hip area, Chelsea. A five-minute stroll can take you to the stylist Brompton Cross where stores range from individual boutiques to high-end department stores like Harrod’s. In addition, the Blakes is closely located to some of London’s most famous recreational areas like Hyde Park or the Kensington Gardens.

Once you finish exploring the hotel, be sure to make a reservation at the Blakes restaurant for a dinning experience that mixes Thai cuisine with Mediterranean tapas. The walls of this stylist restaurant are lined with exotic bird feathers from regions like the rainforest of South America. But the highlight of my stay was afternoon tea in the Japanese Garden where guests are offered a variety of teatime classics like scones, petit fours and cucumber sandwiches accompanied with a wide-selection of teas.

Thus, for an unforgettable stay in London, be sure to check out the Blakes Hotel!

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Belmond Afloat in France. France

Hotel of the Week, , ,

Attention s’il vous plait: Want to see France in a completely different light? Well, you’ve come to the right place! While the Eiffel Tower and Louvre are must-sees on any traveler’s bucket list, Belmond Afloat in France(formerly known as Orient Express) has created an out-of-this-world travel experience for those looking for a completely unique French experience.

Afloat in France was designed to show travelers the splendor of the French Countryside, while floating down the crisscrossing waterways on a luxury barge. With stunning landscape, delicious meals and hearty wines, this travel experience is a must for all Posh Voyage travelers.

You can choose one of the 5 luxury barges (also known as péniche-hôtels) as your transportation through the heart of France. Each péniche-hôtel offers it’s own route throughout the French countryside, so there is no repeat experience on any of the 5 barges. When it comes to the itinerary, the choice is yours. You can direct the barge anywhere you like!

Each péniche-hôtel is equipped with a sundeck and lounge area, bicycles for on-land excursions and a crew and chef to be at your beck and call. Onboard, guests will experience gourmet French dining where regional wine and cheese are a staple of every meal. Spend one day truffle hunting and bring back your finds for that evening’s dinner!

Even better, the crew of each péniche-hôtel works, not only as a wait staff, but also as a concierge service to ensure that guests onboard accomplish all they desire on their vacation. For example, those traveling throughout Béziers receive an itinerary designed specifically to showcase the region’s famous wine and bull-fighting. Ride bikes down this quiet town’s small roads and discover hidden cafes where you can enjoy a chocolate croissant and cappuccino, and later marvel at views of the Orb River and Canal du Midi.

So, for all those travelers out there looking to indulge in all the decadence France has to offer, Afloat in France is the ideal vacation for you!

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

The Berkeley Hotel. London, UK

Hotel of the Week, , ,

The Berkeley Hotel, which has been the go-to spot among jet-set celebrities for more than 100 years, is my new favorite home away from home when in London.

Located in the fashionable Knightsbridge District, the laid back yet luxurious feel throughout the hotel is the main reason why I love this hotel. The impeccable service and décor gives it a homey vibe, minus the stress of being at home. If fact, it is so homey that if you forget your laptop or cell phone, they have one ready for you, as well as sheets of paper with your company logo freshly printed.

The timeless style of the hotel is incredibly distinctive. It is by no means the most elegant or grandest hotel in London, however it is considered the best by many. The guest-rooms are chic and fresh, as well as spacious. My favorite room is the Superior Junior Suite featuring different tones of white and lavender colors. The spacious white marble bathroom is so gorgeous; you will want to stay in there all day.

After a hectic day at my two favorite stores down the street (Harrods and Harvey Nichols), a drink at The Blue Bar is a must. The award winning bar has over 50 different whiskies to choose from, and coming from a Whisky lover, this is the main reason why I fell in-love with the hotel.

The hotel is also home to two of the most popular restaurants in London: Koffmann’s and Marcus Wareing. When I travel, I usually like eating outside of the hotel, however this is one of the few times you realize the restaurants at the hotel are the ones worth going to. The Two-Michelin star restaurant, Marcus Wareing, is superb, specially the Herdwick lamb, polenta, sea purslane and garlic entree.

Nevertheless, what is even more fantastic is the fashionable afternoon tea, also known as Prêt-à-Portea at The Caramel Room. Prêt-à-Portea sweets are inspired by Manolo Blahnik, Oscar de la Renta, Jason Wu among other fashion designers. The menu is transformed every six months to follow the changing seasons in fashion.

The Berkeley also houses a world-class spa, with all kinds of heavenly therapies and treatments for relaxation, health and beauty.

If you are interested in any fun events happening during your stay in London, don’t forget to check the Modern British Social Calendar.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Travel Tip: Be in a Plane Crash and Survive

Travel Tips, ,

Aerophobia-also known as ‘fear of flying,’ is a phobia that affects nearly 1 in 3 adults. Luckily, statistics show that there is a 1 in 11 million chance of being involved in an airplane crash. However, there is still that freak chance that a plane crash will occur. Therefore, it is crucial that all fliers know the proper exit techniques to survive a plane crash.

* 95% of people involved in a plane crash survive.

* Experts are constantly working to make safety improvements to aircrafts so planes are actually much safer than you may think!

* Nearly 30% of airplane fatalities are related to poor evacuation- not the crash itself.

* Aircraft evacuations occur every 11-12 days.

* In a plane crash, passengers have a 90 second window to evacuate the plane.

* There is no such thing as “the safest seat” on the plane.

* Shocking Fact: the most frequent fliers know the least about aircraft evacuations.

* Tips:

  • Always listen to the preflight safety briefing- regardless of how early it is or loud the flight attendant is.
  • In the case of a cabin fire, you may not be able to locate the nearest exit due to smoke, so count the number of rows between your seat and the nearest exit.
  • Sit on an isle seat very close to an exit row.
  • When evacuating down the escape slide, jump feet first into the center of the slide with legs together and arms folded across your chest.
  • Do NOT attempt to gather your belongings in the case of an emergency evacuation, even if that means leaving behind your brand new Louis Vuitton ‘Keepall’ duffle.
  • Have your cell phone with you at all times on a waterproof bag in your pocket. You might be stranded in the ocean. The possibility of a signal is almost nil, but luck might strike.
  • Have a pillow or a purse with cushion on the inside, where you can stick your head inside in case of a strong impact.

* Follow this advice and you’ll be prepared for any sort of scenario that could (hopefully not) arise on your next flight!

Hotel Demetria. Guadalajara, Mexico.

Hotel of the Week, , , ,

If you happen to be heading for the first time to Guadalajara, better known as the Silicon Valley of Mexico, get ready for a pleasant surprise. Guadalajara is not only the third largest economy in Mexico, but is also the heart of the beloved Tequila, Mariachis, soccer and the decadent torta ahogada.

When you touch down, you will notice that while Guadalajara is a modern city, it has managed to keep alive the folklore of Jalisco most of us love; music, gastronomy, traditions, architecture and a strong sense of religious ties.

Demetria, the uber modern hotel I stayed in, blended in with the surroundings in a peculiar way. Located in the heart of an old residential area, the modern glass structure is sandwiched in between two historic houses, which later Ivan Cordero (the owner) would buy in order to preserve the historical architecture.

The hotel is home to a total of 37 rooms, and 6 apartments that boast a classic French and Spanish style, with minimalist designs that feature dark stones, cement panels and very little furniture. In fact, no furniture at all throughout the lobby, which can be inconvenient when in need of somewhere to sit after a busy day.

The hotel’s restaurant, also called Demetria, is the go-to spot for residents as well as guests when in need of a simple and elegant environment. I have to say, being a finicky amante del café, the cappuccinos knocked my socks off. It is the second best coffee, after Buvette in New York.

My favorite nook was a bookshop located above the restaurant. The space specializes in fine books and arts, where students and art lovers can combine the pleasure of reading and sipping a magnificent coffee.

Most of the rooms are different, but if I had to choose, I would say book the Master Suite for its enormous tub, and its sophisticated sitting area in the bathroom. However, if you are not pinching your pennies, stay at the Demetria Suite. It goes for a hefty $1,600 USD a night, but it is well worth it if you want to impress your lady or a group of friends.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

The Mark Hotel. New York City, New York.

Hotel of the Week, , ,

If strolling around the Upper East Side, having coffee at Sant Ambroeus, shopping along Madison Ave, or jogging around Central Park is your cup of tea, I suggest you leave whatever you are doing, hop on a flight and check-in to UES the Upper East Side Mecca, The Mark Hotel.

When you walk in to the hotel, you will quickly notice that this is a place to see and be seen for the fashion, art and film industries. Looking around you can observe that the design was a big part of the project, mixing the best of the French, American and Art Deco styles.

The Mark is fashion icon Anna Wintour’s favorite address when in need of a hotel, and you might also spot Katie Holmes, Russell Crowe, Mark Jacobs or Kelly Ripa to name a few. However, the hotel not only has the most divine guest-rooms, it also boasts the one and only Jean-George restaurant, a chic Freddik Fekkai hair salon, and an Assouline luxury book store.

When I walked into the hotel early in the morning, the lobby’s graphic checkerboard floor and stunning pieces of art created an epiphany: “This is my new favorite hotel in New York”. As I approached the front desk, a dozen sets of eyeballs were following me, ready to jump to my assistance if need be. After a fun weekend at The Hamptons, that was the exact kind of service I desperately needed.

I requested my favorite newspaper, a caramel macaroon from Laduree, and the paramount room service breakfast in the history of hotels: belgian waffles with a sliced banana, mixed berries, maple syrup and perfectly salty butter. Another favorite among the regulars are the lamb chops with fresh tomato BBQ sauce for dinner.

Upon resting my dancing feet from the night before, I started my usual hotel tour for this article.

I have to say everything was perfection, but the best part of the whole property (even better than my pancakes) was the glamorous art-deco bathroom. The deep soaking tub is big enough to have a party, and the shower water pressure is so strong, you will come out clean without using the soap once… don’t get me wrong, I did use it, but the thought did cross my mind.

The hotel is ideally situated in the heart of old New York, so put on some comfy shoes and walk over to the endless museum options: The Met, Guggenheim, The Whitney or The Frick. Another favorite activity among the guests is ordering a picnic basket from the hotel, and biking over to Central Park for a charming picnic under the warm summer sun.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Palazzo Margherita. Bernalda, Italy

Hotel of the Week, , , ,

My absolute favorite Hollywood director has opened the doors of yet another breathtaking property, a charming palazzo in Southern Italy.

Francis Ford Coppola created a dynasty in Hollywood, and now he is taking the hoteliers around the world by storm with his ever-growing hotel brand in Belize, Guatemala, Argentina, the U.S. and now in Italy.

Since the Godfather, Coppola’s desire to have an Italian villa was on the top of his list. The 19th century Palazzo Margherita Villa is located in the town of Bernalda, where Coppola’s grandfather was born. This enchanting corner in the real Italian country features magical gardens that set the tone for what will be your favorite getaway spot from now on.

When you set foot in the superb main salon for either tea, evening films or to just to read a good book, you will understand why I am dying for this to be my new home away from home.

The nine guest-rooms are nothing short of a tiny palace. Every detail is perfectly thought out; from the background music, to the fantastic food, everything is tailored to your preference. Oh, and did I mention they have cinema nights? The main salon is turned into a private screening room so guests can watch Coppola’s personal collection of more than 300 Italian films.

Suite nine and suite four are out of a Marie Antoinette movie decorated with pastel colors and jaw-dropping decor. The frescos and romantic fireplaces pair perfectly with a good local bottle of red wine, so coming with your better half is a must.

My favorite part of the palazzo is that their kitchen is always open, and meals are tailored to your preference. Guests can enjoy traditional Southern Italian cooking or a delicious casual meal served in the Cinecittà Bar, the Salon, or next to the swimming pool.

You can eat in the kitchen after your cooking class. The local chefs give daily, hands-on classes demonstrating how to prepare typical regional dishes.

At the front of the Palazzo, the Cinecittà Bar is a traditional cafe and pizzeria that spills out onto Bernalda’s main street and looks onto the town square. It is a perfect spot for people-watching, mingling with the local community and sipping their delicious Italian coffee.

 

Photographs courtesy of the property.

Travel Tip: Score a Flight Upgrade

Travel Tips, ,

Flight attendant: “Passenger Stefanie Kronemeyer, please come to the gate. Your upgrade to first class has been cleared.”

For a frequent travelers like me, being devoted to a particular airline in order to earn Executive Platinum Status (or whatever your airline calls it) is what we live for. And as embarrassing as it sounds, seeing your upgrade request clear in the gate screen is almost as exciting as getting a comp room at Hotel du Cap.

Yes, limiting your travel options to one single airline can have negative repercussion, due to the auto monopoly you create in your head; you don’t get the best fares, the best aircrafts or even the best routes. However, there are far more advantages in doing so, than drawbacks, so start looking for an airline to wed.

How to score an upgrade:

Marry an airline:

 

If you travel quite a lot (especially for business), you need to narrow down your airline options to one and start earning the big miles. If you find this hard, then stick to either Star Alliance, Skye Team or One World Airline alliances. Each have a collection of airlines that have a program in place to transfer the miles you flew to “Your main airline”. This way, you still get the credit although you traveled with a different airline.

Look the part:

 

A well dressed traveler is more likely to get bumped up according to Sky Scanner’s survey to 700 cabin crew. The flyers voted least likely to get bumped up are teenage girls wearing revealing clothing and travelling with a loud group.

Travel alone:

From my experience, agents are more inclined to offer a free upgrade to passengers flying alone.

Travel during quiet times:

 

Travel on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday. According to FareCompare.com the slowest and cheapest day to travel is on Wednesday, followed by Tuesday and Saturday. Also, you get a better chance of upgrading to business on bank holidays and at other times of the year when business travelers are less likely to fly and the seats tend not to fill up.

Request an upgrade:

 

Request an upgrade when making your flight reservations. The earlier you request your upgrade, the better. Upgrade requests are prioritized based on your elite level. American Airlines notifies you up to 100 hours prior to departure if you are Executive Platinum at no cost, 72 hours to Platinum for a few 500-mile upgrades and 24 hours for travelers with no status. You can also buy an upgrade at the ticket counter at a heavily discounted price, as a result the sooner you check in, the better.

Have a good reason:

 

On a flight back from St Tropez to Dallas, my 6’7 ft friend sat on his coach seat for a 11 hour flight. The stewardess felt so sorry for him, that she called him to the front of the aircraft and placed him on an empty Business Class seat. So the moral of the story is to either be very tall, very large or have a broken bone to have the stewardess feel sorry for you (no joke).

If you manage to earn a descent status, the upgrade perks are worth the sweat. Upgrades in any airlines today are more appreciated by travelers than ever before due to the sudden frugal shift they all instigated after 2008 (e.g. $6 for toy-looking headphones, $5 for a scratchy blankets with other people’s hair attached to it, $10 for a glass of bad wine and $12 for a tasteless cheese plate).

I know this is a whole different subject (and maybe a for a potential next article), but what is the deal with the airline food suppliers? All of it is awful without exception. Well… I take it back, excluding the delicious warm nuts they serve on American Airlines Business Class Cabin. The recipe is not complicated; we are not flying to the moon guys!

I would not be traveling as frequent as I do, if it were not for my beloved status that helps me get my 3E domestic Business Class seat 80% of the time. There is something about starting your trip with a glass of Champagne and smiles that makes me want to travel even more. So marry an airline and start your vacation the moment you set foot in the plane.