Europe and Middle East

Exclusive guide to the best holiday destinations in Europe and Middle East. independent reviews from award-winning travel writers

Palazzo Montemartini

17/10/2017 by .
Palazzo Montemartini Ragosta Hotels Esteno night mod

I heard about Palazzo Montemartini from a local in the know. Word is it’s an exciting recent addition to the luxury hotel scene and it’s near the Termini Station, which makes it super easy to get everywhere, including the airport. 

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Slieve Russell Hotel

12/10/2017 by .
SR 097

It was no surprise that a red, amber and green traffic lights warning system was operating to ease guests through the hotel’s busiest breakfast session times.

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Kilronanan Castle Estate and Spa

05/10/2017 by .
Exterior of Kilronanan Castle Estate less lawn

It was good fortune that brought me an hour early to the Drawing Room Bar of the Kilronanan Castle Estate so that I could sample a glass of Guinness, served with that the special care and magic that you only find in Ireland.

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Hotel Camiral at PGA Catalunya Resort

22/09/2017 by .
CT Mezzinine 1

It seems Mike is the go to man at  the 5 star Hotel Camiral for gin tasting, which is a little surprising as Mike is Scottish and loves his whiskey. Having said that, he knows a thing or two about gin too and took me on a wondrous journey around all things juniper.

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IBEROSTAR Grand Hotel Portals Nous

15/09/2017 by .
Iberostar and Cove

Sadly Mallorca’s image has been tarnished by the hordes of package tourists who party in Magaluf, men and women behaving badly. Fortunately they don’t infect the rest of the island and, certainly the brand new Iberostar Portals Nous is not for the likes of them.

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The Vineyard Hotel. Discover a hotel immersed in fantastic wine.

10/09/2017 by .
The Vineyard Hotel's motto Eat. Sleep. And drink wine leaves you in no doubt as to what is front and centre here

The Vineyard Hotel’s motto Eat. Sleep. And drink wine leaves you in no doubt as to what is front and centre here. And I fully intended to embrace that sentiment wholeheartedly. Well, it would be churlish not to.

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Cour des Loges Hotel

02/09/2017 by .
Cour des Loges exterior

In a gorgeously-preserved mediaeval city whose cobbled streets and ancient stones have won it World Heritage Site status,  the five-star Cour des Loges offers visitors the chance to live the lifestyle of a mediaeval nobleman for a night or three in the heart of VIeux Lyon.

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The Welcombe Hotel. Elegance in Shakespeare country

24/08/2017 by .

Corinthia Hotel London

16/08/2017 by .
Whitehall lobby entrance people Corinthia Hotel London

The splendid Corinthia Hotel on London’s Whitehall may have once been the hallowed domain of the Ministry of Defence, but these days the only high level meetings are likely to be in one of the seven stunning penthouses adorning the rooftop.

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Mount ZIon Hotel

04/08/2017 by .
Mount Zion room shot2

In Jerusalem, where the best hotels are mostly new ones, it’s great to find a perch which is part of the city’s history and whose looks reflect its more exotic times. The Mount Zion served Moslems, Christians and Jews from all the Middle East when it first opened in 1882, and now offers its hospitality to guests of every faith from all over the world.

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