Tag Archives: Weekend

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.

Visiting the charming Hotel La Légende with Sophie Jonot, the owner

Posted on September 10, 2012 | Leave a comment

Often great hotels have a supplement of soul, like those who run them. In the so British breakfast room, I have an appointment with Sophie Jonot. This charming young woman is the dynamic entrepreneur and owner who successfully runs and with passion the Hotel La Legend, in the center of Brussels: “A charming hotel has different strengths of a chain hotel. Example, one our features is our courtyard which gives this side calm and peaceful.” Away from the clichés of a “family hotel”, the hotel mostly attracts a business clientele who appreciate the lively city center: 5 minutes from the Grand Place, 10 minutes from the Sablons and 15 minutes from Rue Dansaert.

“I am the third generation of hoteliers, but the term “family hotel” means a relaxed familiar service. Which is not the case here. We try to constantly improve, to overcome the demands of customers to offer them a better service. I ask my collaborators to much.” In her pursuit of excellence, Sophie constantly cares about the renovation and decoration of the 27 rooms and common areas. Mix of antique and modern furniture, the style of the hotel is unique: “I project myself as a client. I’ve already slept in the rooms. Every summer, we close for renovations. I always look for what would make me happy, the small detail that makes the difference! When I travel, I discover other hotels. This is a chance to see in others that I can improve my home. Every detail is important.” And Sophie concludes with sparkling eyes and a big smile: “I’m happy doing what I do today. I think my mother would be proud.“

Picture 1: We spend the elegant porch to access the entrance. Pictures 2 & 3: Sophie Jonot in the breakfast room, one of my favorite area. Pictures 3 & 4: One of the big suites with 2 or 4 beds. Some suites have a small balcony overlooking the courtyard. Pictures 5 & 6: I really like the attic studio on the 5th floor with a small balcony overlooking the rooftops of Brussels centre.

Thanks to Sophie Jonot and her team.

Hotel La Légende : 35 rue du Lombard, 1000 Brussels. Tel : +32 2 512 82 90. www.hotellalegende.com

Hotel La Legende: A Stylish Breakfast in Brussels, Belgium

Brussels, Belgium: A walk in Rue Dansaert, Sainte-Catherine, the Grand Place and Mont des Arts

DESTINATIONS