Tag Archives: 5 star

Poland: Odyssey, The Design Hotel in Kielce

Posted on August 7, 2013 | Leave a comment

I discovered this design hotel during my recent weekend in Kielce, in Swietorkrzyskie, the Witches country in southern Poland. It intrigues you … yes, witches of the south of Poland! Let me help you: we are not far from Krakow. To be honest, I have deserted “design” hotels for a while. I’ve prefered staying in hotels that often offered a greater comfort with more original decorations than a copied pasted of Wallpaper magazine. 4 years, almost all design hotels are alike (except for some really impressive). Do not expect to find at the Odyssey a revolutionary design. And so much the better! Here the decoration is more contemporary than purely “design”. It rests the eye and calms the mind. My favorite space: the lovely infinity pool with huge windows (picture 2). I stayed between the hot tub and spa that offers a wide range of treatments, with an interesting selection of brands such as Decleor, SkinCeuticals (…). I tested a really good SkinCeuticals facial. It’s been awhile that I wanted to test this brand, but never dared. In my room, I appreciated the clear space, shower (picture 4) and especially the unobstructed panoramic (picture 6). The garden (picture 1) and the large reception hall with the walls covered with green plants (pictures 3 & 7) amplify the well being vibe. And the restaurant is really delicious with a light cuisine very well presented and nicely served. A discreet hotel to spend a relaxation weekend.

ODYSSEY HOTEL CLUB WELLNESS & SPA

Discover my whole trip in my POLAND page and in the Facebook of the Polish Tourist Organisation. You can also follow my TWITTER. ENJOY!

Related posts : DESTINATIONS, BEAUTY & HOTEL REVIEWS

Sofitel Saint James: A Room With A Breakfast @ The Balcon

Posted on March 5, 2013 | Leave a comment

Just arrived in London St. Pancras station

and 4 tube stops later, I’m on Piccadilly Circus, 2 minutes walk from the Sofitel Saint James located away from the crowd, in a little place that I didn’t know. The hotel is housed in an heritage building: a former imposing bank with incredibly high ceilings!

After a warm welcome at reception desk by a French-English bilingual staff, I discover my room: simple, elegant and spacious, in a range of black, white and brown. The decor is stylish with black and white photographies on the wall. Lovely bathroom with the old faucet and tiled black and white checkered.

What a pity amenities are limited to one soap, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner … all Hermès okay! But for short stays, to lighten my bag I bring the bare minimum like a mini make-up and cleanser, because I usually find everything else in the room. Damned, this time I didn’t take my toothbrush, toothpaste nor body cream (LOL!): thankfully Boots is in Piccadilly Circus!

Otherwise leaving my room with its so cozy vibe and “you’re in London Baby!” exotic view (picture 3) and comfortable king size bed, is a huge challenge my dear (lol)! Photo 4: a regressive wallpaper in the entrance to the room (picture 4).

And for lasting this cozy atmosphere, a breakfast full of vitamins at the beautiful Balcon, the relaxed chic brasserie of the hotel (pictures 6 & 7). Too hard to leave it to go to my meetings! Picture 5: amazing chandelier ceiling of a hotel suite.

www.sofitelsaintjames.com

Mayfair, London: Shopping & Art

Old Street & Bricklane, London

HOTEL REVIEWS, LIFESTYLE & DESTINATIONS

I was invited by the Sofitel Saint James London. Many thanks to the Sofitel Saint James London and these are my opinions.

The Lancaster Hotel, Paris: Visiting the Marlene Dietrich Suite with Valentino Piazzi, the Manager of the Lancaster

Posted on January 30, 2012 | 1 comment

“Perfection doesn’t exist, but the excellence to make well, and to like what we make: yes.” Valentino Piazzi opens the door of the Marlene Dietrich suite, while we can hear the “Lili Marlene” song. Awsome! Beteween 1936 and 1939, the famous actress and singer lived there. If the suite was recently renewed, the grand piano, the furniture, the parquet, the lamps, the photos are of origin. Built in 1889, the Lancaster has this undefinable charm of the ancient luxury hotels. We feel like “at home“. For the general manager of the Lancaster who has a long experience of luxury hotels (the Ritz in Paris, the Savoy in London and the Raffles in Singapour): “It’s always pleasure to work in luxury hotels. There is a nostalgic side. The intensity of the experience which makes the difference. The place, the way you organize work“. I notice the “serenity button” which replaces in all the rooms the inelegant “Do not disturb” hung on in doors of hotels. “I ask to the staff to be thoughtful, but not invading. The hotel must be warm, with a home feeling. If you look for something different: the lancaster is atypical, it is a hotel with a supplement of soul“.