REVIEW: Andaz London Liverpool Street Hotel

Street Art Room at Andaz Hotel Liverpool Street, London

Street art themed rooms, epic breakfasts and warm hospitality… a stay at the Andaz London Liverpool Street is a special experience.

The weekend was shaping up to be a good one. With my other half’s big 3.0 on Saturday, I decided to shake things up a little with a surprise the night before.

I checked into the Andaz London Liverpool Street, spent an hour exploring the facilities, hung up a kitsch ‘Happy Birthday’ banner above the bed, and laid out a few presents on the desk. I’d been dying to stay here… and he didn’t know it yet, but he, too, was in for a real treat.

Exterior of Andaz Hotel Liverpool Street, London
Exterior of Andaz Hotel Liverpool Street, London

The luxurious Andaz London Liverpool Street is a 5-star hotel with ambition. Yes, it’s in the ideal location for business travellers who need easy access to the city, AND a great base for tourists … but it also offers plenty for travellers like me. A Londoner. A Londoner attempting to be a tourist in my own city.

Recently the Andaz collaborated with SideStory – arguably one of the capital’s coolest tour operators, to offer two special experiences. After staying in one of the hotel’s super-trendy street art rooms, guests spend an afternoon on a photography or street art in the local neighbourhood. It’s a great concept, and refreshing to see a luxury hotel looking for a new way to heighten the guest experience.

Street Art Room at Andaz Hotel Liverpool Street, London
Street Art Room at Andaz Hotel Liverpool Street, London

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Marrakech’s Top Spring Hangout: Buddha-Bar Marrakech

Buddha Bar Marrakech Terrace

Warm sunshine, refreshing cocktails, delicious Asian tapas, all set to the chilled beats of ethereal house music. It’s official – spring has sprung in one of my favourite cities, Marrakech!

High season has arrived, bringing with it tourists from near and far. After hours exploring the incredible sights and sounds of the medina, Jemaa el-Fna Square and taking in the colour and culture of the city, the chic new terrace at Buddha-Bar is the perfect place to unwind.

Buddha Bar Marrakech Terrace
Buddha Bar Marrakech Terrace

Thankfully the cocktails are a LOT better than the ones I made with expert barman Houssam in January! Top new creation Tikech is a subtle blend of Pink coral flower, coconut water, passion fruit and pineapple – one sip of that and you’ll know not only that spring is here, but that summer isn’t far away either.

Buddha Bar Marrakech Spring Cocktails
Buddha Bar Marrakech Spring Cocktails

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REVIEW: Osteria London Restaurant, Barbican

Burrata, dattarini tomatoes and broad beans at Osteria London

Thinking of booking a table at the Barbican’s Italian restaurant, Osteria London? Find out more about the food, menu, service and more in this detailed review.

With top restaurants Arbutus and Wild Honey already established, Osteria is an exciting addition by Anthony Demetre to the London food scene. Specialising in bold, ingredient-led Italian cooking, the menu features gourmet fish, meat, and pasta dishes… But before I could think about food, I was distracted by the cocktail menu!

Osteria London Menu
Osteria London Menu

My sweet strawberry and prosecco cocktail (named La Dolce Vita) arrived just as the clouds outside started to turn a beautiful shade of peach. Osteria is in a lovely location overlooking medieval church St Giles’ Cripplegate and the area of water outside the Barbican centre. Oh and from some angles you’ll be able to spot a slither of St Paul’s Cathedral.

Cocktails at Osteria London
Cocktails at Osteria London
View from Osteria London
View from Osteria London
Cocktails at Osteria London
Cocktails at Osteria London

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REVIEW: Mark Warner Hotel L’Ecrin du Val Claret

Hotel L'Ecrin Du Val Claret

Considering booking L’Ecrin Du Val Claret in Tignes for your ski holiday? From more about the rooms, food quality and the spa in this detailed review. 

As outlined in my Wanderlust Bambi post I wasn’t a natural skier… but after a few days in ski school, I started to get the hang of it! Thankfully, when I wasn’t on the slopes I had a cosy mountain hideaway to warm up in – the Mark Warner Hotel L’Ecrin in the village of Tignes Val Claret in the French Alps.

Mark Warner Ski Trip Tignes - 39

Covered in a snowy cotton-wool blanket, the chalet style hotel had a spacious reception area, a comfortable lounge with a fireplace, bar, restaurant, a luxurious spa, and 52 bedrooms.

Lounge area at Hotel L'Ecrin Du Val Claret
Lounge area at Hotel L’Ecrin Du Val Claret
Hotel L'Ecrin Du Val Claret
Hotel L’Ecrin Du Val Claret
Spa area at Hotel L'Ecrin Du Val Claret
Spa area at Hotel L’Ecrin Du Val Claret
Lounge area at Hotel L'Ecrin Du Val Claret
Lounge area at Hotel L’Ecrin Du Val Claret

The Mark Warner experience is all about warm service, comfort and convenience. Over the course of a few days I got to know the hotel staff – from the front desk team to the spa girls and the barmen. Everyone was friendly, full of info and brought a really lovely social vibe to the hotel. For families, they offer childcare – a great option when the grown ups fancy a day on the slopes.

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REVIEW: Noi Hotel Vitacura, Santiago, Chile

Noi Vitacura Rooftop Pool

Looking for a luxury hotel in Santiago? My review of 5* Noi Hotel will have you even more excited for your trip! 

In the upmarket Vitacura neighbourhood, the five-star Noi Hotel is attracting a stylish clientele in search of a luxurious base in Santiago. Enticing them – contemporary décor, a plush spa and an incredible rooftop pool and bar with panoramic views of the city. After 23 hours of travelling, I couldn’t wait to check in.

Noi Vitacura Rooftop Bar

The Noi group is proud to own luxury boutique hotels in several areas of outstanding natural beauty across Chile, including San Pedro de Atacama, Patagonia and the Andes Mountains. They aim to deliver a unique experience via their locations and facilities – something that the Noi Vitacura certainly achieved. Close to Alonso de Córdova Street (filled with exclusive boutiques, restaurants and art galleries) and near to Bicentennial Park, Vitacura is one of the most desirable parts of the city.

Noi Vitacura Exterior

From the contemporary wood-clad exterior, to the polished floors and grand lobby area with its criss-cross view of overhead walkways, arriving at the Noi was a sophisticated experience.

READ MORE: The Best Luxury Hotels In Santiago

Noi Vitacura Lobby

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