Silken Puerta America – Madrid, Spain

Eighteen world famous architects and designers combined efforts to create this dream luxury hotel. Each of the twelve floors is truly unique, and exquisite attention has been paid to the smallest detail in every room. Gracefully situated on a quiet, residential street, it is only a five minute-walk to the world famous Avenida de America and its access to all the city’s best sites. The hotel also sits just a short walk away from the exclusive shops of Serrano Street.

Royal Windsor Grand Palace – Brussels, Belgium

Because this hotel offers a selection of rooms individually designed by famous fashion designers, your choices are incredible. Imagine sleeping in one room with frescoes painted by an Italian artist on the walls and floors of ceruse wood and Roman stone, or lapping up the luxury in another room that has a sofa covered with fuchsia velvet and a bed covered with a high couture patchwork quilt. The best location in town, this luxury hotel is one street away from the Grand Palace and a heartbeat away from the Sablon Antique Square. It’s not called a palace for nothing.

Al Manshar Rotana Hotel – Kuwait, Kuwait

Designed to be in keeping with traditional architecture, this modern nineteen-floor, five-star luxury hotel has a pool on the roof that allows you to swim amid a scintillating view of the Kuwait Harbor and radiant Gulf. Or you can relax in the outdoor Jacuzzi, the sauna or steam room, or while you’re getting an incredible massage. World class shopping is right outside the door, and each of the two hundred luxurious rooms is fully equipped with a kitchenette. There is also a poolside snack bar and an elegant in-house restaurant that provides incomparable cuisine all through the day and night. No matter what you want, this place has it.

Warwick New York Hotel – New York City, United States

When you arrive at this historic landmark built in 1927 by William Randolph Hearst for his lover, you will be greeted with chilled champagne and chocolates. The spacious rooms offer marble bathrooms and twenty-four hour room service, and the restaurant features more than fifty stunning murals. Whether you want to go to Central Park, Fifth and Madison Avenue for shopping, Radio City Music Hall, Times Square or Rockefeller Center, you don’t have far to walk. That Cary Grant lived here for twelve years says it all

Grace Hotel Sydney – Sydney, Australia

You have heard the rumors that the Grace Hotel has the most comfortable beds in Sydney, and after you spend a night on the feather pillows under the feather comforter, you’ll know why. An art deco luxury hotel built in 1930; this hotel was restored with original features, so you’ll walk down wide hallways over marble floors under pressed-metal ceilings alongside masterful ironwork. It’s an easy walk to the Darling Harbour and King St. Wharf, not to mention the fabulous shopping at the Queen Victoria Building. Say, "yes" to a stay at the Grace, and you may never want to go home!

Marco Polo Parkside Beijing – Beijing, China

This grand jewel of the East shines with it all: two club lounges, a four thousand square meter spa, a gym, a sauna, an indoor pool, five restaurants, two ballrooms, and all on five-star property that is as close as you can get to the Summer Palace. Each room has an East-West stylistic fusion that is a haven in this busy city, and the luxury suites are unforgettable. The Marco Polo is also a perfect choice if you’re headed to the Olympics in 2008; the hotel is just a short walk from the Olympic Main Stadium.

Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa – Fujairah, United Arab Emirates

The setting is spectacular: vibrant gardens surrounded by dazzling waterfalls and pools, and white sand beaches that seem to go on for days. Each room has a private terrace overlooking either the Indian Ocean or the mesmerizing lakes and hills. The discreet service is five-star, the cuisine is incomparable, and you can pamper yourself silly with an array of Zen-inspired spa treatments to de-stress and detox. Definitely a place to luxuriate.

Avenida Palace – Lisbon, Portugal

At this luxury hotel, you stay in the city’s only palace. Built in 1892, this magnificence hotel features elegant rooms with marble bathrooms, a Jacuzzi and spectacular view of St. Jorge Castle and Marques de Pombal Square are the epitome of luxury. Located in Restauradores Square, you’re but a few moments away from the heart of the city’s cultural district. The Avenida Palace is truly a place fit for royalty.

Palau Beach - Palau Royal Resort

Palau Royal Resort is a five-star international resort hotel, famous for its diving and most amazing array of marine life. Located at Malakal Island in Koror a 25 minutes drive from the Palau International Airport.

Casino Baden-Baden (Germany)

Baden-Baden (which translates to Bath-Bath) is highly regarded for two things: thermal baths and the Casino of Baden-Baden. No other town offers such a luxurious and natural form of relaxation, which can be great if near the end of your visit you find that you didn’t win as much as you expected. When you pack your bags and jet off, just be sure you to be dressed appropriately - since this exclusive casino spot requires formal attire at all times. (That means - no more gambling in your tracksuits and sneaks.) Now, if ever there were a casino that James Bond would call home - this would definitely be it!

Nevaï Hotel in Verbier, Switzerland: luxury, design and sensuality

Tired of classics such as Courchevel, Saint Moritz or Gstaad? Here comes the change with Verbier in Switzerland, the mountain destination where everyone wants to go this winter. In this ski station where one must be seen, a hotel stands out among luxury shops and private clubs: the Nevaï Hotel, out of the imagination of Yasmine Mahmoudieh, a world-famous architect.

Nevaï Hotel in Verbier, Switzerland: luxury, design and sensuality• 12 Dec, 2008 • Catégorie: In the mountains, One hotel a day, Switzerland •
Tired of classics such as Courchevel, Saint Moritz or Gstaad? Here comes the change with Verbier in Switzerland, the mountain destination where everyone wants to go this winter. In this ski station where one must be seen, a hotel stands out among luxury shops and private clubs: the Nevaï Hotel, out of the imagination of Yasmine Mahmoudieh, a world-famous architect.
The Nevaï Hotel embodies the ultimate in sophistication, the pleasures of the table and the nightlife in altitude. Combining design and luxury, the 33 hotel rooms offer breathtaking view on the Swiss Alps, as well as luxury services and latest technology (Egyptian cotton sheets, base for iPod, large collection of DVDs, flat screens and available iPods). In the two penthouse suites, a real fireplace and a private terrace with jacuzzi will delight travelers looking for exclusivity.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL, KUALA LAMPUR

Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur is the perfect place to stay, whether for business or pleasure. Located adjacent to the world famous, 88 storey Petronas Twin Towers, with far reaching views overlooking the lush 50 acre KLCC Park.
Our hotel rooms, suites and apartments are trulyextravagant. Our restaurants and bars, award winning and innovative. And our spa and leisure facilities are a relaxing diversion from the hustle and bustle of the city. Over 300 original works of art feature throughout the hotel. Ancient and contemporary artefacts contrast, yet complement, the high specification technology to be found in every guest room and meeting room

Hotel Adagio

Located in the heart of San Francsco, this is a lovely boutique hotel. With a neo-Spanish colonlal style flavour its stylish and hip with a lovely attention to detail. Reviewers partcularly praise its fantastic service

Clift Hotel

This century old luxury hotel was bought and restored by world famous hotelier Ian Schrager. It has been transformed into an uber modern stylish hotel by Philippe Starck. Its a delight. Art deco meets minimalism. The lobby is stunning and the rooms are stylish and understated.

Alert: Cheap, Luxury Hotels

I just read on Hotel Chatter, Leading Hotels of the World is offering rooms for $19.28/night for a very special, limited promotion. As part of their 80th anniversary celebration, for 80 minutes on October 1, 2008, beginning at 8am EST (aaahk 5am PST), a limited number of rooms will be sold for $19.28. This promotion is for travel between November 1, 2008 and December 15, 2008.

Meg's foot from the restaurant at Enchantment Resort, Sedona, AZ
This is not the Motel 6, $6.66 deal from earlier this summer. Included are world famous hotels like the HayAdams in Washington, DC, the Biltmore in Miami, the Banyan Tree in Bangkok, the Legian in Bali, the Langham in Hong Kong and London, and a large number of European hotels including many of the Kempinskis. Personally, I am going to try to spend my birthday at the Enchantment Resort in Sedona, AZ, where my husband & I spent one, heavily discounted but still $400 night, many years ago.

GIOVANNI BOUTIQUE SUITES

Giovanni Boutique Suites offers you a unique investment opportunity bringing the 1st boutique hotel project to Dubai Sports City.
Giovanni Boutique Suites is one of a kind offering prestigious fully furnished luxury hotel serviced suites, designed by the world famous designer Giovanni Battista Ravagnani.
Here you have the choice – Either put your property in the 5 star hotel system or use it as a residential property. With rental guarantees of up to 10.5% this is a PRE LAUNCH investment opportunity not to be missed.
8% MINIMUM RENTAL GUARANTEE FOR 5 YRS
FULLY FURNISHED 5 STAR HOTEL BOUTIQUE SUITES
FRONTLINE GOLF VIEWS IN PRIME RENTAL LOCATION
30 DAYS USAGE PER YR
FREEHOLD PROPERTIES
5 STAR FACILITIES IE, POOL, HEALTH SPA, GYM ETC….
5 YR LEASEBACK OR USE YOUR PROPERTY AS RESIDENTIAL IF YOU PREFER! VERY UNIQUE OPTION…

The Bauer Hotel is a five star luxury hotel in Venice that offers exceptional services and amenities in combination with cordial personnel and unbelievably elegant surroundings. No wonder it has been a favourite destination of artists and celebrities for years. The hotel is found in a very prestigious position in Venice in Campo San Moise, a quick five minute stroll to world famous Saint Mark’s square. Along the way visitors will pass by some of the most exclusive boutique shopping in the city.

Romantic Interludes At The Venetian Resort

Even if you have not gone to Venice yet, you’ll get a taste of its romanticism and sophistication at The Venetian Resort in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. Everything Venice is known for, such as gondolas, frescos, the classic gourmet food, and the strolling performers, are featured in this magnificent, luxury hotel. The lobby is already a sight... [Read more]

A Grand Vacation At The MGM Grand

There is nothing ordinary about MGM Grand. In fact, the moment you enter its lavish premises, you can easily see why it took $1 billion dollars to develop. The MGM Grand is already a city within a city. Located right across the New York-New York Hotel, this 5,034 room hotel and casino offers superb accommodation, glamorous shows, extraordinary dining... [Read more]

The Treasures Of Treasure Island
Treasure Island or TI is living up to its name. There are many treasures to be found in this luxury hotel along the world famous Strip of Las Vegas, near the Mirage and The Fashion Show Mall. These treasures come in the form of superb restaurants, casinos, extraordinary accommodation, jewels of entertainment, and anything else that makes your visit... [Read more]

The Dubai-based luxury hotel group and operator of the world famous Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah, has unveiled plans to operate a new five-star super deluxe hotel, standing in the centre of Glasgow on Argyle Street, Scotland it will have 26 floors, and be 92.5 metres high making it the tallest building in Glasgow, a margin that will increase as the city’s existing tallest buildings, sixties commieblocks, are gradually demolished. Designed by Ian Simpson Architects, is set to become one of the United Kingdom’s most luxurious hotels. This was announced by Charles Price, CEO of Progress Property Developments (PPD) and Guy Crawford, CEO of Jumeirah Group.
Facilities will include a rooftop infinity pool, Jumeirah’s signature Talise Wellness spa, a fitness club, rooftop cocktail lounge and several restaurants and bars. Extensive business and conference amenities will be supplemented by a 630-seat ballroom and a dedicated club lounge.

6. Hotel Loewengraben - Lucerne, Switzerland

The Jail Hotel Loewengraben in old town Lucerne, Switzerland, functioned as a prison right up until 1998. Right about the same year it re-opened as a small, clean, unfussy boutique hotel. The rooms have bars on the windows, the doors tiny slots to push food through, and the communal areas are decorated with prison memorabilia. And just in case you missed the joke, the hotel bar is called Alcatraz. Not exactly four seasons material, but fun enough to get welcomed in the list.

5. Hotel Katajanokka - Helsinki, Finland

To find one of Europe’s classiest prison hotels, you must cross the Baltic to Helsinki, Finland, and check into Hotel Katajanokka, a tall red-brick structure on a narrow peninsula close to the domed Uspenski Cathedral in the center of the city. This was the Helsinki county prison for 150 years until it closed down in 2002; it’s now a 102-room boutique inn run by Best Western, with a swish bare-brick restaurant called Jailbird. Which room to book? Ask for the private cell where former Finnish president Risto Ryti was jailed by the Soviets at the end of World War Two.

4. Liberty Hotel - Boston, USA

Oh, the irony. The Charles Street Jail, in Boston, was one of the countries most infamous prisons, dating from the middle of the 19th century. It started it slow decay as prison, in the mid 20th century, before finally closing its doors at the beginning of the 1990’s. But from the ashes, a gorgeous new 298-room hotel was raised. Opened in September 2007 after a $150 million renovation, 18 of its rooms are set within the high granite walls of the 1851-built main prison, which has as its centerpiece a towering light-filled 90-foot-high lobby rotunda.

3. Malmaison - Oxford, UK

If an inmate of Her Majesty’s Prison in Oxford were to pay a return visit to his former clink today, he might come away wishing he’d committed his crime 40 years later. The castle-like walls, built for William the Conqueror in 1071, remain; as do the three-inch-thick steel doors in the cell blocks. But the prison’s name has been changed to the Malmaison and conditions have improved dramatically. The House of Correction gym features has state-of-the-art exercise equipment, and high tea, not corporeal punishment, is served up in the visitor’s room.
Back in2005 the famous Malmaison hotel chain turned the oldest prison in Britain into one of the classiest boutique hotels in the county. Quite a makeover. Instead of changing the old look, the designers created a jail house theme by keeping the wrought iron stairwell and many of the original jail bars and bare brick walls. Of course, the designers also added a modern touch and vibe to the retro, creepy theme. A soft mood lighting and original pieces of art are just a few additions. The dining area is now a chic brasserie with a menu featuring steak tartare and fillet of sea bass, and the old cells feature plasma TVs, heated slate-stone bathrooms, plush velvet curtains and fully stocked mini-bars.

2. Breakwater Lodge - Cape Town, South Africa

Once a 19th century prison, the South African former notorious correctional facility Breakwater Lodge, is now a vibrant tourist location. This 1859-built structure with castle-like ramparts on the glitzy Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in the heart of Cape Town, is the country’s first jail-turned-hotel.

Four Season Hotel - Istanbul, Turkey

Maybe the most famous jail house turned luxury hotel is the 65-room Four Seasons Istanbul, which up until 1969 was the Sultanahmet Jail, a detention center for writers, journalists, artists and dissident intellectuals awaiting trial at a nearby courthouse in central Istanbul.
The building’s exterior of Turkish neo-classic architecture was maintained, while contemporary glass additions were created to connect the series of buildings that frame an open courtyard, adding natural light to the hotel’s interior. This hotel offers an atmosphere of personal attention and ease that is unprecedented in Istanbul.

6 Fantastic Former Prisons Turned Luxury Hotels

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder or at least that’s how the saying goes. For a few people, beauty, is a bit more relative the people perceive it. Someone might consider an abstract painting horrific, while the other might find it simply enchanting. However there’s something truly magical about something that, we can all agree upon, bridges the barrier between grotesque and serene.
A prison is a symbol of entrapment, torture and suffering. A hotel is mostly associated with comfort, relaxation and escape. Put the two face to face and you’ll find little, to no similarities, however by combining them you can achieve a certain level of beauty and bliss, that surfaces only in the weirdest of places. I mean think about it. Hotel + Prison, Prison + Hotel. I guess inmates would love to serve their time in hotel, but about travel guests lodging in a prison? Here’s 3 of the world’s weirdest, but at the same time beautiful, prisons converted into hotels.

Brighton's Hotel

For a world famous pier, glorious beaches and a great promenade, you’ve definitely come to the right spot. Barceló Brighton Old Ship Hotel is the most historic hotel in Brighton to stay, and in a fabulous location for getting to all the local attractions, like the Royal Pavilion and its distinctive Indian architecture. The designer boutiques and shops in the Lanes area are also great for picking up presents.
The hotel itself plays an integral part of the City's history, closely linked with the Royal Escape of Charles II, accommodating guests to the Royal Pavilion throughout it's history and housing the unique and elegant assembly rooms, where many a grand occasion has been held from the Prince Regent's Ball in 1819, to Nicolo Paganini's violin recital in 1831 and the Banquet celebrating the opening of the London to Brighton Railway in 1841. The refurbished Paganini Ballroom stays popular to this day with a variety of national and international guests throughout 2007 alongside providing a unique Wedding venue.

Hotel Chandela

A haven of peace and tranquility, Hotel Chandela offers easy access to the world famous Khajuraho temples, Panna National Park Tiger Reserve, and more. Tucked snugly amidst 11 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, this hotel offers an array of modern comforts.
ACCOMMODATION
98 rooms including 4 executive suites.Standard Rooms: All rooms elegantly appointed, centrally air-conditioned, with direct dial telephone facility, colour television with satellite programs, 24 hour room service and laundry service.Executive Suites: With a bedroom and a sitting room. BUSINESS FACILITIES
24 hour copier/facsimile facilities. Secretarial service on request. RESTAURANTS & BARS
Café de la Paix: This French style café serves snacks and beverages. Rimjhim: Serves buffet meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner(for in-house groups). Sura Sundari: The bar. Rasna: Serves Continental, Chinese and Indian cuisine. FACILITIES & SERVICES
Swimming pool, fitness center, beauty parlour, barber shop, travel desk, car rental, shopping arcade, art gallery, currency exchange, safe deposit lockers, doctor-on-call and baby-sitting. Tennis, badminton, croquet and mini-gold course. MEETING ROOMS & BANQUET FACILITIES
2 rooms with a capacity ranging from 50 to 150 persons auditorium style,
or 50 to 300 for cocktails/receptions. Gardens for large outdoor functions.
Theme parties can be organized.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Kuala Lumpur is the perfect place to stay, whether for business or pleasure. Located adjacent to the world famous, 88 storey Petronas Twin Towers, with far reaching views overlooking the lush 50 acre KLCC Park. Mandarin Oriental Hotel Kuala Lumpur ’s acclaimed collection of luxury hotels awaits you. Perfectly located in the world’s most prestigious destinations, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Kuala Lumpur welcomes you with legendary service and exquisite facilities, steeped in the values of the orient.Mandarin Oriental Hotel Kuala Lumpur hotel rooms, suites and apartments are truly extravagant. Mandarin Oriental Hotel Kuala Lumpur restaurants and bars, award winning and innovative. And Mandarin Oriental Hotel Kuala Lumpur spa and leisure facilities are a relaxing diversion from the hustle and bustle of the city. Over 300 original works of art feature throughout the hotel. Ancient and contemporary artefacts contrast, yet complement, the high specification technology to be found in every guest room and meeting room. The different types of accommodation available in Mandarin Oriental Hotel Kuala Lumpur are well appointed and provided with lots of latest comfort facilities. The staff of Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur is very hospitable and they provide very efficient service throughout the day. You will never regret for stay with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Kuala Lumpur for your holiday or business matters.

Luxury Boutique hotel in Monte Carlo

For the most stunning hotel Monaco; Port Palace can be found in the heart of Monte Carlo. This perfectly placed boutique hotel balancing serenity with style and poised upon the world-famous Formula One Grand Prix circuit .Sleek design is courtesy of Leïla Menchari, of Hermes: light-filled interiors are framed by beautiful vistas of the harbour and sea.Rooms and suites are drawn from a palette of creams and whites with bursts of colour, sea views and finished with Carrara marble, rare woods and leather. The Port Palace offers Mediterranean gourmet cuisine, cosseting accommodation and a relaxing range of spa therapies.
Excellent location at the base of the casino with views of the harbour
50 spacious and sleek rooms and suites
Spa offering Fleur de Peau beauty treatments and full fitness centre.
Stunning views over the Formula One Grand Prix Circuit.
Gourmet restaurant, Mandarine, specialising in Mediterranean cuisine.

JUMEIRAH CHECKS INTO GLASGOW

JUMEIRAH CHECKS INTO GLASGOWJumeirah Group signs deal with Progress Property Developmentsfor the first international luxury business hotel in ScotlandGlasgow, 14 October 2008: Jumeirah, the Dubai-based luxury hotel group and operator of the world famous Burj Al Arab, unveils plans to operate a new five-star super deluxe hotel in Glasgow, Scotland. This was announced by Charles Price, CEO of Progress Property Developments (PPD) and Guy Crawford, CEO of Jumeirah Group, at a signing ceremony held today in Glasgow.