By Renata Araújo
The year ending now has been very generous to us; We have never traveled so much and we decided to list the 10 best hotels in 2014where we stayed.
1) The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
We started the year on the other side of the world and we fell more and more in love with Asia! Hong Kong It is a unique city, full of contrasts and with many attractions for visitors. It was there that the chain’s first hotel appeared Mandarin Oriental, 50 years ago, imposing and grand, which we loved having known. But we really fell in love with The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, smaller hotel, very charming and elegant, in the Central neighborhood. I had an unforgettable dinner at the restaurant… and was very well received by all the staff.
2) Grand Velas Riviera Maya
In February, we were at Mexico, a country with rich gastronomy and strong culture. We loved getting to know Mexico City and its incredible museums, great restaurants and chaotic traffic. But the place that really enchanted us was the Riviera Maya, more specifically the hotel Grand Velasin Playa del Carmen, and do seal Leading Hotels of the World. Large, but very tasteful, with very well-kept landscaping, perfect beach, attentive service and excellent and varied cuisine. Points for the Mexicans!
3) Ritz Carlton Toronto
In April it was time to discover a new country: Canada. We spent incredible days in Toronto, a city we immediately fell in love with! Cosmopolitan, with a very particular architecture, sophisticated restaurants, several museums, and very welcoming people. The Ritz Carlton is one of the best hotels in the city, with great taste, with contemporary decor that attracts attention from the imposing lobby. The spa is delightful and the restaurant is magnificent, where we even had the chance to have lunch at the chef’s table. The hotel also stood out because it was from there that I made my first live appearance on Estudio i, a Globonews program, giving travel tips.
4) Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
Built in a historic building from 1888, it maintains English tradition and at the same time, managed to modernize. With spacious rooms and excellent restaurants, the Mandarin OrientalHyde Park is considered one of the best hotels in London. To top it off, it is located in Knightsbridge, one of the most elegant areas of London,. I loved the dinner I had there at Bar Boulud (French cuisine, where you can read details here) by renowned chef Daniel Boloud.
5) Four Seasons Ritz Lisboa
One of the best hotels in the city, opened in the 60s, the Four Seasons Ritz Lisboa It is a classic and a reference of luxury and comfort. Very well located, with an imposing lobby, beautiful views and spacious rooms, it also offers a great restaurant, well-equipped gym, a first-class spa and service worthy of the brand. Four Seasons.
6) Grace Hotel Santorini
The island itself is a magical place, but the Grace Hotel it definitely helps us get in the mood. With a stunning look, style luxury boutique, has a breathtaking infinity pool facing the volcano – called Caldera – in the middle of the sea. To top it off, a haute cuisine restaurant, offering Greek cuisine with a contemporary touch. Access is only on foot, and staff will pick you up at the entrance to carry your suitcase, which must be small for obvious reasons. How I miss you Greece.
7) Carlyle Hotel
Traditional hotel in NY, which has been the residence of several famous people, there is no way to stay in the Carlyle and not remember your history. Located not sophisticated Upper East Side, it is just a few blocks from Central Park and great museums. To top it all off, it has two super famous bars, one of which is Carlyle Cafe, where none other than Woody Allen performs every Monday playing sax and I had the chance to watch him; what an exciting night! Some rooms also offer a stunning view of NY. O The Carlyle It is one of best hotels for people watching, that is, observing the movement of people, in this case, famous people, who are always walking around there. More NYimpossible.
8) Imperial Hotel Vienna
I felt like a princess when I stayed at Imperial Hotel Vienna, a city classic, right in the middle of the most famous avenue, The Ring, which turns 150 years old in 2015. I even had a grand piano in my room! Despite being in the middle of the hustle and bustle, the double and triple glazing does not let any noise leak through. The hotel’s bar and restaurant are beautiful and the sumptuous and tasteful decor reminds us of Empress Sissi.
9) Hotel de Rome, Berlin
Very well located in Mitte, the former heart of East Berlin, this hotel has managed to modernize without losing tradition. The contrast between old and new is always present. I got an excellent room with modern decor, just the way I like it. The hotel has the Leading Hotels of the World seal, which says a lot, and is part of the portfolio of Rocco Forte Hotels, a luxury chain across Europe.
10) Marignan Paris
Opened recently in the so-called Golden Triangle, between the Champs Elysées and Montaigne avenues, this boutique hotel is a delight: elegant, with extremely tasteful contemporary decor, rooms with great space for Paris, some with views of the Tower and service impeccable staff, always attentive. A hearty breakfast and even a private cinema room Marignan he has. More glamour, impossible!
Photos: Renata Araújo
Read too:
What to do in Berlin and Vienna
What to do in NY
The Landmark- Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
Grand Velas Riviera Maya
