Hotel Reviews - Travel Blogs & Guides: 2023

REVIEW: Lunch at T Beach, Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como, Italy

What’s it like to have lunch at Grand Hotel Tremezzo overlooking Lake Como..

As I pulled up outside Lake Como’s Grand Hotel Tremezzo, I felt like a Hollywood movie star. Ferraris screeched to a halt outside, glamorous 40-somethings strutted into the glass lifts, and champagne corks popped at T Beach across the road.
Over 100 years of history, stunning panoramic views and a string of celebrity fans make this one of the most desirable places to stay on the lake. With its 5 star rating, beautiful gardens, luxurious top floor suites, brand new spa and floating swimming pool, I couldn’t resist but stop by and check it out.

I’d been invited for lunch, but before that was treated to a tour of the hotel and its impressive grounds. The art nouveau building has numerous old-fashioned salons and reception rooms with regal colour schemes and plush fabrics, but there’s also a modern touch in places. The newest suites have simple, contemporary marble bathrooms, with TV screens and breath-taking views. Not to mention the jacuzzis on the terraces! Of the 90 rooms and suites, the most prestigious is the Greta, named after Greta Garbo.

Hotel St Petersbourg Tallinn Review Billiards Art

Time to check out Hotel St. Petersbourg in Tallinn, Estonia!

“At what time would you like to visit our private sauna suite?”

When it comes to unique proposals at luxury hotels around the world, this is one of the best offers I’ve had. I checked into the very grand St Petersbourg Hotel in Tallinn (part of the Schlössle Hotel Group) after a whistle-stop tour of The Baltics and Scandinavia. Tallinn marked the end of my trip, and by this point I was exhausted and in need of good dose of relaxation and comfort.

It was the history of the hotel that first caught my attention. Opened in 1850, it is the oldest continuously functioning hotel in Tallinn, and one of the oldest in the whole of Estonia. After just a few hours in Tallinn, I was won over by the city’s medieval charm. It was like a fairytale – full of secret passages, romantic views and castle-like spires. Hotel St. Petersbourg is conveniently located in the heart of all of this – 30 seconds from the central square and the 13th Century Town Hall. Close by are several top restaurants, bars and museums. Thankfully it wasn’t bang in the heart of Tallinn’s famous nightlife (stag dos and all…!) so there was no need to worry about noise.

I stayed in a double room on the third floor. The colour scheme oozed luxury – with grey walls, a furry silver throw, maroon curtains and some quirky design features including a large monochrome photograph of a woman, and a cream armchair with funky pattern. I loved the parquet floor and antique mirror, and was pleased that while some of the décor was heavy, the room was flooded with Estonian sunshine!

Time to check out Divota Apartment Hotel in Split.

As I got off the bus in Split, I was met by a handful of people flashing signs and pictures, trying to entice new tourists to their budget accommodations. There was something charming about seeing this old fashioned marketing technique still working. I, however, had somewhere to be…

On my first night in the city, I checked into Divota Apartment Hotel. I wandered through the characterful Veli Varoš neighbourhood – a labyrinth of tiny cobble stone streets once home to farm labourers. Just 5 minutes from Diocletian’s Palace and the promenade, but out of the tourist hustle and bustle, it seemed like the perfect location.

After checking in, I was shown to my apartment. The area felt very ‘local’ – people were going about their daily business walking dogs, going to and from work, carrying shopping and hanging out their washing. Traditional green wooden shutters hung off the old stone houses. I couldn’t stop taking photos!

Checking out The Pucic Palace in the ancient city of Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Awkward guest – that’s just not my style!

Oh… that was until I checked into The Pucic Palace in Dubrovnik in June 2015. I arrived just as an incredible electric storm struck the city. My arrival in Dubrovnik was already tinged with drama as my shuttle bus from the airport had broken down on a cliff edge and another bus had to come and rescue us. Once at The Pucic Palace, the hotel staff agreed to help me set up my Croatian SIM card, which was a small drama in itself as they searched the entire building for an unlocked phone!

It’s fair to say, they took all my mini dramas in their stride, and went above and beyond to make my stay a pleasant one.

The hotel has two sections: the 17^th Century Baroque hotel building, and the annex apartments a minute away. I was staying in Defne Apartment in the annex – a stunning building right in the heart of the old town.

Time for my review of the Tui Sensatori Resort Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus.

Last week I had the chance to tick another country off my bucket list… and do it in style. Just over four hours from London by plane is the beautiful island of Cyprus. For years friends have been telling me all about the beautiful scenery, perfect weather, and excellent hospitality.

I can’t deny that my love of the Cypriot cheese halloumi was another reason for wanting to visit… (imagine having that for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Yum!) I’d read a few Sensatori Cyprus reviews but was keen to share my own experiences.

Sensatori Cyprus - the main pool — Sensatori Cyprus – the main pool

Checking In To Tui Sensatori Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus

In early June, I checked into the Sensatori Resort Aphrodite Hills (around twenty minutes from Paphos Airport). Sensatori is the luxury hotel brand from Tui. They offer “luxury holidays designed to fuel the senses” in 5-star surroundings, with gourmet food and plenty more to make it a truly special holiday. I was staying as an all-inclusive guest, which gave me the chance to check out several restaurants, enjoy a few cocktails and pile up my plate at the buffet breakfast!

I was curious about Sensatori Cyprus as it had just undergone a rebrand. I’d heard this might be the best Sensatori yet and I’m pleased to say it was a pleasant experience. Champagne was waiting on arrival, and the check-in staff were very welcoming. Arriving late at night (11.30pm) I had assumed it may be difficult to find any food, but thankfully a basic version of the buffet was still in operation.

Check prices and current availability at Sensatori Cyprus here.

My room was on the ground floor, and was stylishly decorated in a mix of grey, silver and white. The bathroom was large with a rain-style shower and bath. My French doors opened out onto a small terrace area with a couple of chairs and a table. Bluetooth speakers, fluffy robes, and plenty of toiletries added to the high-end feel.

Hotel Review Blogs

REVIEW: Lunch at T Beach, Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como, Italy

What’s it like to have lunch at Grand Hotel Tremezzo overlooking Lake Como..

REVIEW: Hotel St. Petersbourg, Tallinn, Estonia

Time to check out Hotel St. Petersbourg in Tallinn, Estonia!

REVIEW: Divota Apartment Hotel, Split, Croatia

Time to check out Divota Apartment Hotel in Split.

REVIEW: The Pucic Palace, Dubrovnik, Croatia

Checking out The Pucic Palace in the ancient city of Dubrovnik, Croatia.

REVIEW: Tui Sensatori Cyprus

Time for my review of the Tui Sensatori Resort Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus.

Checking In To Tui Sensatori Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus

Check prices and current availability at Sensatori Cyprus here.