Monthly Archives: February 2008

Hotel Danieli • Venice, Italy

An opulent palazzo along the Grand Canal

Hotel Danieli, Venice - terrace

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Entering the Hotel Danieli takes you back to a time when Venice was the crossroads of the world and princes and potentates built palaces along the canals.  As you enter you will encounter a stunning, the beautiful lobby and lobby bar with its elaborate ceiling,  Murano-glass chandeliers, stained glass windows, a truly glorious public space.  The hotel’s main building is a Venetian Gothic landmark.

The hotel is comprised of three interconnecting palaces, the main palazzo dates from the 14th century and is considered a Venetian gothic landmark.  This ensemble is located near the Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace are all within 100 meters of the property.

La Terrazza, the hotel’s main dining room, is a rooftop haven with spectacular views of Venice and serves Mediterranean specialties.  Guests can also while away a post-touring afternoon at the Bar Dandolo which is set in the magnificent grand foyer and serves afternoon tea, snack and cocktails.  In warmer weather, there is a terrace with sunset cocktails.

Hotel Danieli Venice - elegant luxury accommodations

Rooms are very individual, but a warm decorating style and liberal use of fine woods and rich textures are a common style.

Hotel Danieli Venice - Guest room

Hotel Danieli
Location: Riva Degli Schiavoni, 4196 Venice, Italy; one hour from the international airport via vaporetto.

Luxury style: Venice is one of the top tourist destinations in the entire world and for travelers who enjoy being in the center of things will not be disappointed. Guests can enjoy the history (and the bustle) of St. Mark’s Square but be safely ensconced in the peaceful, pampered environs of Hotel Danieli.

What we’ve heard: Request a room in the main palace for accommodations that are more lavish and spacious.  Other rooms can be smaller, although well-appointed.  Also recommended is a trip on the hotel’s own boat to the Lido for some time walking on the beach.

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Glenlo Abbey Hotel • Galway, Ireland

A special place for special occasions

Glenlo Abbey Hotel - Galway, Ireland

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In a commanding position overlooking Lough Corrib, the Glenlo Abbey Hotel is a convertied 18th century abbey set amidst a sprawling 138-acre estate. The 46 guest rooms, some with lake views, are warmly decorated with rich fabrics and dark wood furnishings. The rooms at this stellar property have every modern amenity including cable television, direct-dial phones, clothes presses and fully equipped marble bathrooms.

The imposing interior has towering ceilings and stained glass walls. There is also a pavilion, private foyer bar and six meeting rooms, all of which can be combined for the perfect function.

Dining is a fascinating experience at the abbey. The Pullman Restaurant is made up of three restored railcars from the original Orient Express. A second restaurant, the River Room, also serves gourmet cuisine including Galway oysters.

Glenlo Abbey Hotel - Galway, Ireland

 

The estate also has a plethora of activities including a lakeside golf course, driving range, fishing, clay pigeon shooting and boating

Glenlo Abbey Hotel
Location: Bushy Park, Galway, Ireland; 91 kilometers from Shannon Airport; served by taxi (120 euros) or bus (13 euros to Limerick.)

Luxury style: An ideal locale for a wedding, anniversary or family reunion; also perfect for a weekend escape for an idyllic stay in the countryside.

What we’ve heard: Visitors give kudos for warm and friendly service.

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Hotel Monaco • San Francisco, California

A Belle Epoque beauty near Union Square

Hotel Monaco - Exterior

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The lively Hotel Monaco was once a staid bastion of bland hospitality but now has been transformed by the Kimpton Group into a young-in-spirit boutique hotspot.  The 1910 Beaux Arts building features a lobby with columns and a grand wrought iron staircase and sculpture by renowned Bay Area artist Albert  Guibara.  The hotel’s Grand Cafe, with a look of Parisian rail station, welcomes locals and guests alike with an eclectic American cuisine and  the more intimate Petitie Cafe and Bar serves French bistro fare.

Hotel Monaco - Guest room

The guest rooms at the Hotel Monaco are a fanciful affair with the fin-de-siecle air continued with striped silken canopy beds, sconces and a bounty of textures and patterns. But the playfulness is accompanied by luxe: beds offer pillowtop mattresses, down comforters and Frette linens. This cocoon of comfort is still linked to the outside world with complimentary wireless access, CD players and flat screen TVs.

Hotel Monaco - Guest room

The up-to-the-minute Hotel Monaco has benefits beyond the norm: hybrid car owners enjoy free parking and the pampered pet is welcomed with its own turn-down service.  A spa and sauna are also available.

Hotel Monaco
Location: 501 Geary St  San Francisco, CA 94102, USA; driving time to the airport is about 40 minutes.

Luxury style: Lively and playful but with comfort enough for all ages; hipness combined with hospitality.

What we’ve heard: Rooms can be to cozy for some and a bit on the small size. Location is a major plus with shopping, theater all within steps.

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