Safi Royal Luxury Hotels– “Always beyond your expectations”

Real Travelers recommend staying at the Safi Royal Luxury Centro and the Safi Royal Luxury Valle. The hotels, respectively rated a 4.4 and 4.7 out of 5 based on reviews from across the web, are sure to delight those visiting the city of Monterrey– Mexico’s industrial capital.

Family owned and managed, these European style hotels offer guests “high speed wireless internet, Ultra Comfort beds, coffee maker, and a double vanity area among other luxury amenities.” One of the owners, Roberto Safi, offers some insight as to what makes these hotels so unique. Safi explains “Our attentive staff treats our guests as family. This is what makes our hotels truly unique. Since we are a chain of only two hotels, we have a closer relationship with our staff and therefore with our guests. We differ from the rest of the big hotel chains, for being an adaptable hotel that works in a dynamic way, always looking for ways to innovate and exceed our guests’ needs.” Recently, while a family was staying at one of the hotels, a little boy wished to express his gratitude toward the hotel staff by drawing pictures of Alvaro, the bellman, and Andrea, the front desk clerk. Another satisfied guest seems to agree with the little boy–this guest writes, “The service was awesome, all the employees were very kind and nice.”


Accommodating business travelers during the week, and families on the weekends, these hotels are “strategically located in the most important areas of the city.” One guest comments that the Safi Royal Luxury Hotel Centro is a “Moderate sized hotel with spacious guest rooms, excellent service, nice pool and center courtyard, clean and attractive.” Located near the Macroplaza, Santa Lucia River Walk, Barrio Antiguo, and Bishop’s Palace, this hotel is the place to stay when visiting these local attractions. For those interested in shopping, stay at the Safi Royal Luxury Valle–which is located across the street from Monterrey’s largest shopping center.

If you’re looking for a hotel that is “Always beyond your expectations,” consider the Safi Royal Luxury Centro and the Safi Royal Luxury Valle.

Royal National Hotel

I work for a major high street travel agency and after hearing and reading mixed reviews, I went fearing the worst hotel imaginable.
I stayed for 2 nights and found the hotel to be not as bad as what people make it out to be.

The location is pretty good, only a 15min walk from Kings Cross and the nearest tube station is bout 3mins walk which is Russell Square on the Piccadilly line. This station was extremely busy during rush hour, so we often walked to either Kings Cross or Euston to catch the tube.

The rooms are basic consisting of 2 single beds (which can be easily converted to a double), wardrobe, tv and bathroom.

There was some noise disturbance, which came from workmen and from the kitchens, but this was only audible if the window was open otherwise there was no noise impact.

The cooked breakfast was good, despite not going for breakfast till 9-30 there was still plenty of cooked food available and it was still hot.

The only negative parts was the large groups that arrived by the coaches and the heating system. The rooms get too hot on a night and we had to open windows to try and keep the rooms cooler.

We only used the rooms for sleeping, as we spent most of day walking around London and sightseeing. We only spent a VERY small amount in the hotel.

The hotel bar drinks were very watered down, but on the front of the hotel is a pub and the prices were quite reasonable only £3 for a pint of lager. So we spent more time there.

Overall, I would recommend this hotel to everyone. I am also planning a return visit for my birthday later in the year.




tripadvisor.com

Geomedicine Centre & Spa, Hotel Porto Santo, Madeira

USP Porto Santo is a small island just 25 miles from Madeira. Unlike its larger more famous neighbour, which has no natural beaches, Porto Santo boasts 9km of golden sand beaches. The fine-grained sand on these beautiful beaches are said to contain an extraordinary high level of strontium which is believed to have health benefits particularly for rheumatism and dermatological conditions.

Locals have for many years sworn by the medicinal properties of the island’s sand and sea water. This spa, at the island’s oldest hotel (built in 1962), opened last summer and while it offers many more conventional spa treatments it is the hot sand therapy that is its speciality.

AMBIENCE This enormous 1,500 square metre spa, designed by renowned Portuguese architect Joao Favila, feels a little like an Egyptian temple. You enter the huge rectangular concrete and limestone structure via a tall narrow entrance. Inside the cool cavernous atrium is still, quiet, and bathed in daylight. There are no external windows but light streams in from a glass ceiling and courtyard garden into the interior of pink marble, exposed brick work and wood. The staff wear white coats, and speak in hushed conspiratorial tones – this is Porto Santo’s first medi-spa and it feels like a cross between a rehab clinic and a holy place.

The main hall of the spa contains a large seating area, café area, courtyard garden, and indoor pool. Off this main hall is an impressive huge round doomed pink marble hamman, four white-tiled medicinal-looking treatment rooms, a small gym and tiny functional white-tiled changing rooms. The main event, the hot sand therapy, takes place behind the reception desk. Behind a low pink marble wall there is a waiting area with a line of chairs facing a glass wall behind which stand a row of 12 copper coffin-like baths.

EXPERIENCE As four of us sit, clad in white robes, on the chairs facing the copper baths we are advised to drink plenty of water and told that to get the maximum effect from our treatments we should not have had any alcohol, caffeine, meat or fish for 24-hours – at which point I’m seriously regretting staying up late drinking vodka and tonics the night before.

We are also told by a very serious woman, dressed in the obligatory white coat, that scientific studies have proven that hot sand therapy – in which patients are buried up to their necks in sand heated to about 40 degrees centigrade for 30 minutes twice a day for a minimum of seven days – aids general well being and is an effective treatment for several medical conditions.

After this short introductory speech we each silently fill in extensive medical questionnaires and a doctor takes our blood pressure – those with particularly high or low blood pressure are advised not to have the treatment – one patient is told she shouldn’t have therapy because she has heat sensitive eczema.

We are then each handed cotton wool to put in our ears – to prevent sand getting in. It all seems very serious and a sense of panic is beginning to well up inside me. As I am led away to my sand bath the two remaining patients look on from the waiting room with deadly serious expressions.

When I arrive my bath is part-filled with soft warm dry sand. The doctor and her assistant help me in. Then an elderly man holding what looks like an over-sized vacuum cleaner pipe guides the fine warm sand from the pipe – which is plugged into the wall behind - into the bath and the two women scoop it over my body until I am buried.

It feels strangely like a warm cuddle. I feel snug - and somewhat smug - as I try to signal to the others that I’m ok but with only my head poking out of the sand it is a little difficult. The doctor and her assistant slide a heat-holding cover over my sand bath leaving just my head exposed, they place a cool flannel on my forehead, smile and leave. I suddenly feel very, very alone.

We were told that patients feel so relaxed enveloped in the soft warm sand that they often sleep during treatments. But within a short space of time I find the soft warm sand is beginning to feel seriously hot and heavy. I have a strong compulsion to move my arms but they are pinned down beneath the weight of the sand. I take a few deep breaths to reassure myself that my chest can still move under the weight. The sand feels as if it is getting hotter and hotter and heavier and heavier.

I imagine screaming and not being heard by anyone (my neighbour - in a copper bath behind a curtain partition - has cotton wool in her ears), I imagine dramatically breaking free, showering sand everywhere, like the Incredible Hulk breaking free from his skin-tight tee-shirt. I breathe slowly and deeply, close my eyes and try unsuccessfully to wriggle my toes.

You can avail elite rooms at affordable prices in Dublin

Dublin is well known for its Irish charm and century old tradition. A visit to this place will take you through landscaped parks, historical attractions, and museums amidst variety of cultural offerings. The general feel of the city can make touring a wonderful experience.

Dublin is a great destination for food lovers. You can savour the delights of local preparations in top restaurants of the city. Sipping in pubs, chatting with citizens or watching stage performances are experiences quite unique to the city.

To facilitate your stay, the city offers a wide range of hotels at great rates. You can avail elite rooms at affordable prices.

The city is linked with direct flights from the USA and Europe.

Things to Check before You Book Hotel Online

Most of the tourists or business travelers like to take a look at the hotel rooms and other facilities before booking it. With the advent of Internet you can actually do this. You can take a close look of the hotel, see the facilities and book the hotel online. This relieves you from the hassle of finding a proper accommodation after you physically arrive at a place. You can directly go to the hotel from the airport if you have already booked it.

However before you book hotel online you should check certain things. The first thing you should make sure is that the site is not a fraud. Your personal details should be safe and secure. Go through their privacy policy and terms and conditions before booking the hotel. Before booking see whether the site provides video of the hotel. Check the customer review of the hotel. Finally don’t forget to check whether the hotel provides option for modifying or canceling reservation.

Las Vegas Hotels

Las Vegas Hotels


If you're thinking of leaving the fun of an online casino behind and heading for the real thing in Sin City - make sure you hit the jackpot by selecting a Las Vegas Hotel that really means business.


As the one and only Neon City - Las Vegas is predictably packed with mile upon mile of glorious hotels and not so stunning road side motels (you know the types that are used for seedy goings-on in Hollywood flicks!). Unless you fancy recreating Pulp Fiction and booking into a trashy Vegas hangout, opt for one of the mainstream Vegas Hotel complexes or casino resorts.

The finest hotel resorts in Las Vegas are simple fantastic - instantly providing a sense of wealth, well-being and glamour (so you'll feel a million dollars even if your bankroll is as stingy as a penny slot machine). With un-rivalled style, accommodation and leisure facilities - welcome yourself to casino heaven……
What's your Vegas hotel style?


Ok - first things first - Las Vegas isn't an ordinary place, so you won't be surprised that the accommodation options are just a little bit mad! While you can opt for sheer elegance and classically refined sophistication, you may want to indulge with some fantasy play and book into a themed Vegas hotel room. Stay in medieval England, the African jungle or chill out with a Chinese theme for the ultimate chill out - whatever your passion, indulge it in Las Vegas.
Bankrolling you Vegas hotel stay


Las Vegas' Hotel accommodation is available in a huge range of budgets - allowing anyone to enter the Neon City and feel the magic. Hotel resorts like MGM Grand may be out of your reach unless you hit a jackpot, but there's no need to go downmarket to find an extremely good value location - with just as many facilities! The Orleans and Boardwalk Hotels are both extremely popular with first time visitors to Las Vegas, and are competitively priced. With most hotels located on the Vegas Strip - you can simply pop in a taxi to go downtown or visit one of the high profile venues along the strip.

Going downtown?


You've got two choices when you visit Vegas - downtown hotels or the famous neon Vegas Strip. The Vegas Strip is literally an endless stretch of hotel complexes, home to the majority of the big names - with MGM Grand at the south and the Sahara casino complex welcoming you at the northern flank. The Strip is the most popular place to find a hotel in Vegas. However, you can opt to stay in the real Vegas by heading downtown - with its own famous hotels such as the lovely Golden Nugget. Alternatively, if you just need a base for exploring the delights of the city, book into a budget hotel in the heart of the downtown district and start your party.

Las Vegas' Hotel Resorts remain the most people's favourite form of accommodation, due to their array of leisure options. For example, Circus Circus has a Big Top theme (surprise surprise) packed with live Vegas shows, indoor theme parks, 10 restaurants, multiple casinos, sports bars, night clubs, shopping malls, gyms, beauty spas and much more. Live it large in Las Vegas!

Review: The Anchor Inn

A mere jaunt out of London and you will discover the perfect place for a weekend break, complete with local fare, historic houses and country strolls. Anna Smith discovers the best Hampshire's Anchor Inn has to offer.

An hour's train ride from London, The Anchor Inn is perfectly placed for a country weekend escape. Acquired by Miller's Collection in 2008, the inn has been beautifully refurbished without losing a jot of character. Parts of the building date back to the 14th century: this places smells of history the minute you enter. Exposed wood dominates in the intimate bar area. Walls are cluttered with eccentric photographs, paintings and prints. Nautical memorabilia jostles with vintage photos of locals over the years.

The locals are still very much in evidence at The Anchor Inn: the management even take regulars on brewery trips and consult them on menus and wine. Much of the food in the restaurant is locally sourced: the style is posh English pub fare accompanied by an extensive wine list written in a florid, slightly eccentric manner. The steak is good, the skate is better and the whitebait is the best we've ever tasted. 


Staff are relaxed, welcoming and friendly at The Anchor - they're more than happy to advise on everything from whisky to local walks. On weekends, the restaurant is full to brimming with both neighbours and guests; often diners get so comfortable they decide to stay the night, space allowing. Low lit and pleasantly decorated, the restaurant is high quality without being pretentious; small groups and couples chat away happily without feeling the need to mind their Ps and Qs.

The walk up the winding stairs to your bedroom could take time: more fascinating pictures adorn the walls, giving a taste of English history that must appeal to overseas guests in particular. Portraits of Earl Mountbatten and other luminaries are hung in the Richard Hillary room, a superior double with quaint décor and quirky touches like royal wedding pots on the windowsill. The exposed beams look gorgeous - but watch out if you're over five foot nine, they can hurt! All rooms have power showers (no bath), flat screen TVs, DVDs, radios, wireless access and deliciously scented Long Barn toiletries. There are just five rooms in The Anchor Inn: aside from the Richard Hillary there's the Wilfred Owen deluxe double, the Siegfried Sassoon deluxe double, the Robert Graves superior double and the Rupert Brooke principal suite. 


It's well worth getting out of your comfortable bed for breakfast in the bar. A full English will set you up for the day with black pudding, egg, tomato, sausages and bacon. There's also quality muesli and fruit available (great raspberries) as well as orange juice and tea/coffee. Service is swift and pleasant and staff will happily hang onto your bags for you if you decide to go for a walk after check-out - and we recommend you do. Signposted footpaths will take you in all directions through green fields and past the historic houses of both Lower and Upper Froyle. The Anchor Inn is Lower Froyle's only pub, but neighbouring villages like Well have a few good ones to refresh weary walkers on their way back. The walk to Well is scenic and achievable; staff will point you in the right direction. Although there's every chance you won't want to leave The Anchor Inn: as one guest says in the comment book, "It's one of those places you want to keep a secret, but have to tell everyone."

Review: Hotel Arnarhvoll, Iceland

Hotel Arnarhvoll, Iceland

Dramatic vistas, modern Scandinavian style and stunning harbour-side location make this new kid on the block a winning base for exploring the best of Reykjavik, discoversCharles Duncombe.

Landing in Iceland feels like arriving on a different planet; on the drive from the airport all I could see was a vast expanse of lunar-like lava fields with dramatic mountains in the background. Reykjavik is one of Europe's most dramatic cities, where modern architecture is spread amongst traditional wooden buildings as steam from the hot springs billows into the sky: a setting that is both romantic and beguiling.

The newly opened Hotel Arnarhvoll has managed to capture the essence of booming Reykjavik, harnessing the stunning setting whilst conveying a modern Icelandic style. Situated on the edge of Reykjavik harbour, the hotel offers fantastic views of the bay, with Mount Esja as the dramatic backdrop. Enjoy lunch or dinner against one of the best views in town at the Panorama rooftop restaurant. Although you may find it impossible to tear your eyes away from the shimmering waters of Reykjavik Bay and majestic mountains long enough to fully appreciate the Nordic and French inspired cuisine. In fact, the main bit of advice I would give when staying at Hotel Arnarhvoll is to book early and reserve a room overlooking the bay.

As I set foot in the hotel the first thing I noticed was its contemporary feel. The reception features stylish stone tiling, wooden floors and modern furniture. This minimalistic feel continued into the bedroom, with hues of deep chocolate brown and grey slate.

One of the main attractions of the hotel is its location, close to the city's main shopping area of Laugavegur street but in a quiet side street: the perfect mix for a relaxing city break. Restaurants, bars and interesting tourist sights are short walk away, as is the harbour where you can hop on a world famous whale-watching trip. Our trip took us to Puffin Island, which sees the charismatic colony of birds flock to the island for breeding season between April and August. The highlight of the boat ride was encounter a pair of humpback whales and numerous minke whale, which playfully ducked and dived around the boat in agile movements that left us slack-jawed in awe.

The hotel's central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the area. Although we only stayed for three days, we managed to fit in the Blue Lagoon, The Golden Circle tour (encompassing waterfalls, geysers and the Eurasia/America continental fault line), a city bus tour, quad biking and horse riding. Our mission to pack in as much as possible was given a helping hand by the fact that Iceland experiences 24 hours of daylight at this time of year, meaning that we could even slot in a cheeky midnight round of golf.

If all the sightseeing has you aching, Hotel Arnarhvoll also has a great spa where you can pay a one-off fee for unlimited use during your stay: the perfect way to wind-down after a hard day of exploration.

Hotel building work ruins holidays

I seem to be writing about hotels a lot lately, but when I book a holiday I assume that the travel agent or tour operator is up-to-date with any planned building work in my hotel and I would not be happy if I walked into the middle of a building site.

Consumer concerns

Today, I received an email from a reader who found out online that the hotel he is staying in next month is being renovated. He has contacted the hotel and they have confirmed that there is building work in progress but it will not affect his stay.

He contacted the travel agent who he has booked through and they have told him that no work is being carried out at the hotel and that if this changes they will advise him prior to his holiday and look at what other options he has.

Hidden agenda

The hotel will not want to lose bookings, so, are they being truthful about the impact the building work will have. The travel agent does not seem to want to find out the extent of the hotel building work. I think they should be more pro-active.

Help the consumer

So, my question to anyone that can help out is what happens if the travel agency does not receive notification from the hotel and the consumer walks into a building site. Can they claim any compensation, or should the agent be liaising properly?

Hotel building work ruins holidays

I seem to be writing about hotels a lot lately, but when I book a holiday I assume that the travel agent or tour operator is up-to-date with any planned building work in my hotel and I would not be happy if I walked into the middle of a building site.

Consumer concerns

Today, I received an email from a reader who found out online that the hotel he is staying in next month is being renovated. He has contacted the hotel and they have confirmed that there is building work in progress but it will not affect his stay.

He contacted the travel agent who he has booked through and they have told him that no work is being carried out at the hotel and that if this changes they will advise him prior to his holiday and look at what other options he has.

Hidden agenda

The hotel will not want to lose bookings, so, are they being truthful about the impact the building work will have. The travel agent does not seem to want to find out the extent of the hotel building work. I think they should be more pro-active.

Help the consumer

So, my question to anyone that can help out is what happens if the travel agency does not receive notification from the hotel and the consumer walks into a building site. Can they claim any compensation, or should the agent be liaising properly?

Hotel Una, Brighton

Perfectly placed in Brighton's Regency Square, Hotel Una is a cosy boutique hotel spanning three floors of a Georgian townhouse. Open since 2006, each of its 20 rooms are named after rivers of the world and decorated with an individual twist. WTG's Caroline Lewis takes a look.

Hotel Una is located in one of the most regal spaces in Brighton – the large rectangle of Regency Square, right off the seafront and smack in the middle of Georgian architectural supremacy.

Behind a sensually lit facade, sits a tiny reception and an even smaller lift. But inside, wood panels and elegant lighting make sure everything looks sleek rather than stuffy. It's small scale but neatly done. 


Despite the majorly modern interiors, Hotel Una has remained true to its heritage and situation - contemporary lighting, original artwork and avant-garde furniture haven't done away with the Regency architectural feel.

Once I was whisked up and installed into 'Wista', one of the luxury rooms, I began to feel at home. The room was like a city apartment with separate bedroom, enormous TV and lengthy sofa. Aside from the duvet (give me some goose down and I'm anyone's), favourite features had to be in the bathroom - sparkly black walls, Molton Brown goodies and a hugely oversized shower head. In the morning, an over-eager chambermaid burst in, in search of either a clean room or a glimpse of me in a towel. I think I'll go for the former.

In other parts of the hotel, 'Eden' is one of the largest rooms. It has the fortunate position of overlooking the sea through windows that are both high and wide, making it beautifully bright and breezy. If this wasn't enough, the view out to sea can be admired from inside the freestanding bath that's perched close to the window. More? It has a balcony, the bed is super kingsize and the sofa is upholstered in finest dark brown leather. The current guests had initially booked for two nights but were still there after six.

'Danube' can have similar superlatives applied - it's another with the tempting bath-with-sea-view option. 


Views aside, down in the basement there are rooms that have their own private mini spa. Spacious 'Aragon' and secluded 'Belise' have private saunas and whirlpool baths and the resident masseuse will come to you for treatments that include hot-stone and Thai massage.

Hotel Una's self-declared Premier Room is 'Quaile' - and it's a truly luxury suite. Attributes include a full home cinema plus leather recliners, a private bar with complimentary spirits and an Illy espresso machine and a large meeting table for eight.

There is a small dining room at Hotel Una where you'll feel cosy rather than cramped - but if you prefer, fill out the form and have your breakfast brought to you. The choice is impressive but, for the best porridge you'll ever eat, go for the Scots porridge with maple syrup. Served up on a huge tray at the time you choose, I opted for a leisurely 9am. Leaving that duvet was a struggle. 


Hotel Una also has a (contemporary-styled, of course) bar that's open for non-residents till 11pm and for residents all night. Stop for coffee in the day or a sophisticated drink at night. An exclusive range of spirits is stocked, including a fine selection of cognacs such as Hennessy Paradis.

The owners have worked hard to create an atmosphere that makes you feel decadently relaxed and sumptuously comfortable. Their aim is to make you want to keep staying that one extra night. And with the stylish surroundings, unbeatable location and friendly staff, you might just want to.

Hanoi Continental Hotel

Situated in the heart of Hanoi's bustling old quarter within walking distance of the city's beautiful Hoan Kiem lake, the Hotel Continental has just been refurbished in the summer of 2006, and it is one of the city's first boutique-style hotels.

Room features

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- Private air-conditioning system with individual controls
- Coffee/tea making facilities
- Data port with free broadband Internet access
- Hair dryer
- IDD telephone
- In-room safe
- Mini-bar
- Room service
- Satellite television
- Sound-proof windows and door
- Needful address book for the city

Room description
All rooms have the same design and facilities as listed above, the difference is only about the size of the room and bathtub or window. The details as follow:

1. Standard Room: About 22 square meters, only shower, without bathtub.
2. Superior Room: About 22 square meters, with bathtub and window.
3. Deluxe Room: About 30 square meters, with bathtub and balcony.

Room rate

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Our room rate for 2009 (from 1st January to 31st December 2009) is ranking from 25.00 USD to 39.00 USD, it is including breakfast, tax and service charge. The detail rates are as follow:

1. Standard room: 25.00 USD/night for single, 29.00 for double occupancies.
2 Superior room: 29.00 USD/night for single, 33.00 USD/night for double occupancies.
3. Deluxe room: 35.00 USD/night for single, 39.00 USD/night for double occupancies.
4. Extra bed: 4.00 USD/night/ bed (Appliable for deluxe room only)
5. Pick up & Delivery service: The pick up cost is 15.00 USD/ taxi for 4 seats. Delivery to airport is 12.00 USD. Guest will get free pick up OR free deliver to airport if you stay with us for at least 7 nights.

Special discount:
We wish to offer the special rate for our regular guests and cooperated partners, the discount will be negotiated case to case. The guests who stay with us for long time will be also offered a special discount for all kinds of our services.
We also have special promotion policy for the specified time of the year, the details of this policy is described in the main menu of "SPECAIL PROMOTION".

NOTICE ON ROOM RATE FOR 2009

Our room rate for 2009 (from 1st January to 31st December 2009) is ranking from 25.00 USD to 39.00 USD, it is including breakfast, tax and service charge. The detail rates are as follow:
1. Standard room: 25.00 USD/night for single, 29.00 for double occupancies.
2. Superior room: 29.00 USD/night for single, 33.00 USD/night for double occupancies.
3. Deluxe room: 35.00 USD/night for single, 39.00 USD/night for double occupancies.
4. Extra bed: 4.00 USD/night/ bed

Pick up & Delivery service: The pick up cost is 15.00 USD/ taxi for 4 seats. Delivery to airport is 12.00 USD. Guest will get free pick up OR free deliver to airport if you stay with us for at least 7 nights .

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT THIS LINK