Hotel Reviews

Hotel Review Blogs

Who loves staying at hotels on their travels? I DO! Yes, I absolutely adore finding cool, quirky and luxurious hotels to stay in along my travels.

From a 6 star hotel in Marrakech and glam villa hotels in Bali, to Michelin star hotels in the UK and unique accommodation in Croatia, you’ll find plenty of great hotel reviews here.
Happy relaxing!

Why Visit La Mamounia Marrakech, Morocco?

Incredible pool at La Mamounia, Marrakech

What’s it really like to visit La Mamounia Marrakech – one of the city’s most famous hotels?

La Mamounia’s reputation preceded it. Before THIS epic trip around Morocco, I’d never visited Marrakech… but somehow I’d still heard of La Mamounia.

I knew this was a hotel that was constantly winning awards… “The Best Hotel In The World” (including the Conde Nast Traveller Readers Awards), “Top Hotel For Honeymoons”, “Best Spa In The World”… the list goes on.  It has one of the most photogenic swimming pools on the planet, oh and it was Winston Churchill’s favourite place to stay  in Marrakech. So when I was in town, I couldn’t wait to pop by and see what all the fuss was about!

Recently renovated, the hotel is more luxurious than ever, with plush décor, Moorish opulence and some of the best dining options Marrakech has to offer. However, beyond the rich fabrics, Instagrammable-tiled courtyards and pristine swimming pools, it’s also an oasis of calm.

When you wander through La Mamounia Hotel’s 20-acre park with its fruit trees, tall palms and brightly coloured flowers, it is easy to forget you’re in one of the world’s most hectic cities.

 

Stunning courtyard @lamamouniamarrakech… I wonder how many Moroccan tiles I can fit in my luggage?!

A photo posted by Chloë Gunning (@wanderlustchloe) on

I visited the hotel on a Saturday afternoon in November, pleased to be enjoying some warm winter sun. I took a peek in the legendary Churchill Suite which had incredible views over the gardens. I loved the melange of English style and Moroccan traditions, particularly the Chesterfield desk and distressed leather sofa with the impressive Moroccan handiwork covering the ceilings.

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REVIEW: Es Saadi Gardens and Resort, Marrakech, Morocco

Time to check out Es Saadi Gardens and Resort in Marrakech.

After an adventurous week stargazing in the Sahara, riding camels and exploring kasbahs (check out the videos), I was ready for a few days of relaxation in Marrakech. I checked into a plush suite at Es Saadi Gardens & Resort in the upmarket Hivernage neighbourhood, and enjoyed a taste of the five star lifestyle.

With huge gates, flags blowing in the wind and elaborate fountains at the entrance, this resort certainly had something to shout about! Every December, stars of the big screen descend on Marrakech for the city’s prestigious film festival, and this is one of the resorts they return to time and time again.

 Over the next 48 hours I wandered the pristine gardens, basked in the Moroccan sunshine by the pool, perused the impressive art collection and was thoroughly pampered in the spa.

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REVIEW: House of Agnes, Canterbury, Kent

House of Agnes Canterbury

A beautiful, ancient building, central location and a Charles Dickens connection make House of Agnes a perfect spot for a short break in Canterbury.

House of Agnes Canterbury
House of Agnes Canterbury

The 15th Century B&B sits on one of the main roads into Canterbury, moments from Canterbury West, the historic Westgate and foodie hotspot The Goods Shed. It was referenced by Charles Dickens in David Copperfield and has stayed true to its original features, with plenty of wonky beams and old–fashioned windows. If you switched the electric lights for candles, it would be like returning to the 1400s.

Yet, some of the building’s history is hidden… During a building project, a Roman skeleton was discovered in the garden (and was consequently reburied!). Even more exciting – an extremely rare Astrolabe Quadrant dating from 1388 was unearthed a few years ago. Described as ‘one of the greatest discoveries of its kind in the world’ it went on to become a feature in the British Museum.

On check in, staff were helpful and full of knowledge – eager to make my stay as comfortable as possible. Downstairs were several communal rooms – something I really like at hotels. They created the feeling of a home-from-home rather than a stiff hotel.

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REVIEW: Grand Okan Hotel, Alanya, Turkey

Checking out the Grand Okan Hotel in Alanya.

During my recent trip to Alanya, I checked into one of the region’s most popular hotels – the Grand Okan.

I’m a firm believer that a luxury is nothing without good service. The most expensive meal can taste quite bland when there is no passion from the people serving it. Some of the best hotels in the world suffer from their stiff, impersonal ways. It makes me wonder: how difficult is it to provide warm customer service (are you listening Barcelo Solymar?)?

Grand Okan Hotel, Alanya
Grand Okan Hotel, Alanya

I checked into the Grand Okan Hotel in Alanya well after midnight. I was tired from travelling and suffering from a bit of a cold. Thankfully, I was welcomed by Amanda – the hotel’s incredibly friendly general manager. From Britain originally, she moved to Turkey over 15 years ago and lives and breathes the culture. Full of stories, charm and infectious warmth, she oversees a happy workforce who go out of their way to meet customers’ needs. It’s no wonder loyal holidaymakers return year after year.

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