Your travel specialist on: Stylish Stays in Europe

I am blessed that I can go back to Europe a couple of times a year and keep up to date on what’s new in the way of hotels, refurbishments, write articles for the travel industry on my findings and see friends and family. Although I travel all over the world, I must confess that Europe is my favorite as regards food, culture, shopping, and a wonderful atmosphere.

Europe’s most prestigious hotels embrace their surrounds while maintaining a distinct sense of style, from design forward city escapes to historic countryside estates that become as much a star as the destination itself.

Here are a few of my latest findings as you tap into these city hotels

Grand Hotel Central, Barcelona, Spain

Today, it has historic elements from its 1926 construction mixed with modern and warm décor of its 147 rooms. The real gem lies on the rooftop in the form of an award winning infinity pool that offers smashing views. We provide you with a complimentary transport to your airport or cruise terminal, plus a free breakfast, a room upgrade, and other amenities. Spend the morning exploring the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art, followed by a steam and sauna treatment at the hotel, our treat when you book a suite or junior suite.

Café Royal, London, England

I’ve been to London over 150 times, and have checked out most places. Favored by the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Diane and Winston Churchill, the guestbook of Café Royal reads like a Who’s Who list of London. The Tudor Suite blends an original Tudor fireplace with wall to wall marble in the master bath and velvet furnishings that hint at Elizabethan influence. In addition to complimentary breakfast and hotel credit, let us reserve London Royal Tea at the Oscar Wilde Bar, seated at the Sir Winston Churchill table for the best views of the room and its authentic Louis XV1 detailing.

Aria Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic

Inspired by the beauty of music, Aria Hotel provides a connoisseur’s retreat. Let us arrange an early check in to one of the 51 rooms each of which channels a legendary musician, from the Billie Holiday inspired suite to the Dvorak Suite. The hotel’s home in the Mala Strana historic section is steps from the iconic Charles Bridge and the ninth century Prague Castle, and boasts a private entrance to the Vrtba Garden. Reserve with us to experience a complimentary dinner for two at CODA restaurant, where Chef David Sasek embraces farm fresh produce and cutting edge technique such as sous vide to bring meats to tender perfection.

Hotel Continental, Oslo Norway

Nods to the art world are ever present inside this hotel. The Viennese style theatre restaurant is hung with portraits of painters and writers who have been frequent guests while the lobby bar exhibits a private collection of original Edvard Munch paintings. Expect Les Clefs d’Or qualified concierges to deliver on your every whim, whether you wish to secure last minute theater tickets or take a helicopter tour of the fjord that graces the hotel’s backyard.

Le Meurice, Paris, France

This Parisian institution has long hosted the upper echelon in fashion and art, from Salvador Dali to Coco Chanel. Michelin lauded Alain Ducasse helms the hotel’s dining and his restaurant Le Meurice features the best of French terroir. The hotel’s chic Bar 228 for live jazz and signature cocktails such as the Diva, made with wheat vodka, apples, Poire Williams and grenadine. We will provide dining credit towards some of the world’s finest culinary offerings in Paris.

La Bastide de Gordes, Gordes, France

This 40 room gem delivers on every notion of Provence. The hotel replaces 12th century fortifications atop the town of Gordes, now an ancient major etched into an outcrop facing the natural preserve beneath the Luberon mountains. We recommend Le Spa Sisley for the best valley vistas and the 82 foot lap pool that stretches across the terraced gardens. In addition to daily breakfast, we will book you a complimentary thirty minute spa treatment.

Marques de Riscal Hotel, Elciego, Spain

World renowned architect Frank Gehry is the visionary behind the titanium ribbons that define Marques de Riscal in the Rioja wine region. A beacon of modernity amidst the medieval Basque village of Elciego, Spain. This unique retreat remains respectful of the area’s wine growing roots. The original 158 year old cellar is impressively stocked with vintages that can be enjoyed at the Wine Bar and the Michelin starred restaurant. A bottle of wine awaits your arrival, and we will offer spa credit so you can take a dip in Spa Vinotherapie.

Argos in Cappodocia, Cappadocia, Turkey

Homes carved into canyon walls and cone shaped “fairy chimneys” resemble a storybook village in Turkey’s Cappadocia region. This hotel was a former monastery converted into 51 breathtaking rooms with lovely gardens and a three mile network of underground passages with a great wine cellar and cave pools. Enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine and a spa treatment, and we also arrange a visit to the garden in the Guvercinlik Valley, harvesting herbs that later appear during your dinner at Seki Restaurant.

Castello del Nero Hotel and Spa, Tuscany, Italy

Take a detour, just thirty minutes south of Florence and you will find yourself in a romantic Tuscan retreat. Set in a 12th century castle that once was the home of noble families, this hotel rests on over 700 acres in Chianti.

Go on our web site – www.allhorizonstvl.com – offer M13697 and search through what we can offer you in unique hotels.

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel at 160 Main Street. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.