Tag Archives: 4 Star Hotel

Japan: Hotel Anteroom Kyoto

Konichiwa Kyoto!

Finally arrived! After 14 hours by plane, a really good flight on ANA, with a super quick change of plane (= what a run!) at Narita airport for Osaka. Then an hour in the bus to Kyoto and we finally arrived at Kyoto Station at nightfall.

We take a taxi and 5 minutes later we are in front of the Hotel Anteroom Kyoto. I dream of a shower. But it’s already past 8pm and if we want to dine, we barely have time to leave our bags, cool off and go out to find a restaurant. Because the hotel does not have any and serves only breakfasts.

The Room

Simple, Design & Comfortable 

Back from our short dinner break (in one of the food halls of the Kyoto Station), I finally can enjoy our room with two oversized beds, large flat screen, designer sofa and bay window overlooking a small lighted garden. So sool! 

All equipment (including air conditioning) is very comfortable and clean (well we are in Japan, aren’t we)! What a pleasure! When I slip into my Queen size bed, I come across a TV show of two young Japanese on a spree in Corsica! Of course I couldn’t miss it (lololol) and wake up tomorrow around 6am … 

    

The Bathroom & Our Garden

The small bathroom is very well equipped and practical (photos above)l, including useful storage spaces.

And of course a modern shower with Japanese bath and separate Japanese toilets. I do not understand why, we do not have the same in Europe! In comparison our toilets are medieval!

Our room has a small “zen”garden too (rght photo), where we quietly relax before each getaways in Kyoto and its surroundings. I really like this garden area, with just the sound of birds early in the morning. 

Because the hotel is located in a quiet residential area. And the excitement of the city seems far, far away. While we are only 15 minutes walk from Kyoto Station. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An Art Gallery In An Industrial Architecture

Kyoto Confidential

We soon felt at home. The team is kind and helpful. Above all do not take offense to the very reserved attitude. And it seemed to us that there were mainly Japanese customers (mostly young and trendy) and few Westerners.

The lobby looks like a New York art gallery, offering its mature to young artists. You can buy art works, but also books, objects and T-shirts. The friendly intimate bar is open on a small Zen-inspired garden (photos 1, 2 and above).

After two nights, we didn’t want to leave this confidential hotel!

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations  

Hotel Anteroom Kyoto

Related posts : HOTEL REVIEWSDESTINATIONS 

Arigato gosaimasu to the Hotel Anteroom Kyoto’s team. As always these are my opinions. 

Portugal, Évora: Ecorkhotel

Portugal-Alentejo-Evora-Ecorkhotel-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

A Californian Vibe

Portugal-Alentejo-Evora-Ecorkhotel-8-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

The Suite

After a long day drive, we finally arrived at the Ecorkhotel Suites & Spa on the outskirts of Évora. The concept of this new 56 suite hotel, is based on the optimum use of cork as insulation.       

What a joy discovering my 70 square-meter suite in an independent bungalow with a small terrace – patio. The architecture is awesome. And I don’t know why it makes me think of L.A. ( first photo of this post)!      

The decoration is very simple and nice! Few elements almost rudimentary. Perfect. Not overlooked with other bungalows. And trees, centenary olive trees, cork oaks and nature everywhere!

Portugal-Alentejo-Evora-Ecorkhotel-5-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le KPortugal-Alentejo-Evora-Ecorkhotel-6-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

The Dinner

Portugal-Alentejo-Evora-Ecorkhotel-7-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

I’m late

for the dinner at Cardo, the hotel restaurant where our large table is already full! Oops, I lingered by the pool with a real Californian twist (photo below). Unfortunately it was too late to test the spa.      

The dishes are very good: a mixture of Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisine. Then, with two friends we stay a while at the bar. Very cool, we are the only ones (lol). And I discovered a new Portuguese artisanal gin named FriendsWhat a coincidence!     

The next day: I am in hurry, I didn’t hear the alarm clock. A fruit as a quick breakfast in the large patio covered with white sails (above photo). At 9 a.m. sun is strong and my dream team is already on the bikes. Wow!    

We start our little tour through the countryside towards the Évora historic center (in sweat and fun …). But that’s another story (bicycle and I, we are not exactly friends) LOL!

Portugal-Alentejo-Evora-Ecorkhotel-4-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le KPortugal-Alentejo-Evora-Ecorkhotel-3-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K Portugal-Alentejo-Evora-Ecorkhotel-2-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.

Informations  

EcorkhotelVisit Alentejo & Visit Portugal

Related posts : HOTEL REVIEWS & DESTINATIONS

Many thanks to Visit Alentejo and Visit Portugal for this amazing invitation. As always these are my opinions.

Back To Val Thorens, France (Part 2)

France-Val-Thorens-Ski-Resort-Activities-Ice Driving-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K 1

Ice Driving

France-Val-Thorens-Ski-Resort-Activities-Ice Driving-2-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Wow Wow!

My baptism of ice driving! I really wanted to do it! On a previous trip, I discovered the circuit de glace Alain Prost in Val Thorens (the highest ice-racing track in Europe) at the Trophée Andros race. I like motorsport, but I couldn’t test with a pilot last time.

So this time, when I was invited to this little session of controlled “steering, counter-steering, braking…” on ice, I was thrilled! The principle is simple. Christophe, a professional driver drives the race car explaining how to take turns (the most interesting for me).

Time to do few turns and the session is already over … Next step: the ice driving course… Photos below: I extend the experience of being a passanger in the classy Mini of the Val Thorens Tourist Office (you guys rock!).

France-Val-Thorens-Ski-Resort-Mini-2-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le KFrance-Val-Thorens-Ski-Resort-Mini-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

The Lunch

France-Val-Thorens-Ski-Resort-Lunch @ Chez-Pépé-Nicolas-Restaurant-1A-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Chez Pépé Nicolas

Lunch in this famous alpine chalet located in between Val Thorens and Les Menuires. We have a little trouble finding the parking … The restaurant is accessible by ski or by car (you will have to walk and it climbs a bit, lol). 

What a great surprise! The place is clear and warm. And we followed the chef’s suggestion: chicken and pasta with truffles and cheese cake. A delight! Gargantuan portion (photo above). And as a light dessert, I chose a chocolate ice cream! LOL!

France-Val-Thorens-Ski-Resort-Lunch @ Chez-Pépé-Nicolas-Restaurant-2A-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Or Try The Gastronomic Brasserie

Warning, Gourmets! The Vallée des Belleville is a breeding ground for the Michelin starred chefs! During a lunch in the resort at the Montana Restaurant, I had the chance to taste the bubbly and delicious cuisine of Chef Jérémy Gillon (photos below).

Ooops, I don’t remember the exact names of our different dishes, but the photos (below) speak for themselves! It’s beautiful, colorful (to the eye and palate) and delicious!

France-Val-Thorens-Ski-Resort-Lunch @ Le-Montana-Brasserie-Restaurant-Michelin-Starred-Chef-Jeremy-Gillon-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

A Nice Boutique Hotel

Hotel-Le-Val-Thorens-France-Val-Thorens-Ski-Resort-2-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

In The Center of The Resort,

facing the slopes, you can stay at Le Val Thorens hotel with cool friends. Lovely interior design with a few art works (picture 4 below), the style is a mix of contemporary mountain and minimalist Scandinavian design.

The architecture of the lobby is a bit surprising, but the furniture creates a warm atmosphere (photo 5 below). I loved the view and the cozy atmosphere of my room (too bad the bathroom is very narrow). I felt so good that I skipped the dinner to not leave my bed!

Well, I still made the final push to join some friends for a drink … The breakfast room is also very nice. Unfortunately I haven’t enough time to discover the pool and spa. I have to finish my suitcase for the next resort … 

Hotel-Le-Val-Thorens-France-Val-Thorens-Ski-Resort-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le KHotel-Le-Val-Thorens-France-Val-Thorens-Ski-Resort-3-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K Hotel-Le-Val-Thorens-France-Val-Thorens-Ski-Resort-4-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K Hotel-Le-Val-Thorens-France-Val-Thorens-Ski-Resort-5-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K Hotel-Le-Val-Thorens-France-Val-Thorens-Ski-Resort-6-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Val Tho Party

France-Val-Thorens-Ski-Resort-Nightlife-Bar-1-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K France-Val-Thorens-Ski-Resort-Nightlife-Bar-2-Photo ©Mademoiselle Le K

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés.

Informations  

www.valthorens.comwww.les3vallees.com

Related posts : DESTINATIONSHOTEL REVIEWS & LIFESTYLE

Many thanks to the 3 Vallées and Val Thorens Tourist Office, for all of these stunning surprises, including the ice driving. As always, these opinions are my own.