Archive for the ‘boutique hotels’ Category
not a bad egg
sunny side up
Ah Sunday brunch how we love thou. This Easter weekend we say ditch the endless hoards of chocolate eggs which will remain un-eaten in the depths of our kitchen cupboards till next year, and enjoy the real deal. So for all you budding brunch-istas out there take a look at our favourite eateries for enjoying the best eggs no matter where in the world you may be.
bluedoor at the delano
The Delano, Miami
The spot to brunch with the in-crowd in the heart of candy coloured Miami Beach. Take a pew and order yourself a mid-morning champagne cocktail, don your saucer-sized sunnies and watch the beautiful people saunter by.
Coquelicot boulangerie, Paris
For country charm and the sweetest treats in Paris snag yourself an outdoors table for a dose of comfort food en France. Go for the Frenchies version of eggs benedict, a homely treat of rustic bread, a hint of succulent Béchamel sauce and a covering of earthy gruyere cheese. Oh la la.
for those that brunch
Cafe Cluny, NYC
The birth place of the decadent brunch, New Yorkers certainly don’t beat around the bush when it comes to mid-morning munches. Settle down in the corner of the West Village for the best French Toast this side of the Atlantic.
(4 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading ...if you go down to the woods today…
fairy tale splendor
We love taking a step back in time and capturing our favourite fairy-tale fantasies from days gone by. All that whimsical magic, the wondrous landscapes, the romance and folklore that left us astonished and captured our wildest dreams. Luckily for us Hollywood has decided to take a step back from the Twilight saga and have sprinkled their magic fairy dust upon our screens with a dramatic remake of everyone’s favourite fairy-tale bad gal; Little Red Riding Hood. To celebrate this enchanting cinematic debut we decided to take a look at some fairy-tale inspired boutiques boltholes to get those spell-bound imaginations whirring once more.
the magical ice hall
Ice Hotel, Sweden
Built entirely of ice and snow this rather chilling boutique bolthole is a magical experience straight from the word go. Located 200 km north of the Arctic Circle in a small village in Lapland you’ll find luxurious fur rugs adorning your ice bed fit for any ice queen to rest your head. Explore the surrounding crystal lakes and alpine forests, and if you’re lucky you’ll spot the mysterious colours of the northern lights illumining the arctic skies.
Kasbah Ellouze, Morocco
Arabian nights
Head to the desert and relive the opulent days of Lawrence of Arabia (or in our case Morocco). This magical getaway in the Atlas Mountains is a place to restore and enjoy the charm and romance of Morocco. Wander around the almond scented gardens keeping your eyes peeled for the odd camel wandering by. Your own magical Arabian castle, pretty perfect if you ask us.
lake side luxury
Park Hotel Weggis, Switzerland
Perched on the illustrious Lake Luzern in the heart of the Swiss Alps you’ll find the Park Hotel Weggis. All that crisp alpine air and majestic peaks, its ethereal beauty is fit for any noble wander-lusting traveller. The romantic suites and wooden lake-side cabins are the perfect spot to nestle down by your log fire before setting off to explore the beautiful medieval regal village of Luzern, with its meandering canals and stone facades. Its a new age Cinderella story.
Château de Castel-Novel, France
turrets and towers
This 15th century château has inspired many a romance novel, it’s where famous French author Colette spent long days writing Le Blé en herbe (The Game of Love) and its not surprising really. In all its medieval splendour complete with turrets, towers, and 99 acres of manicured grounds adorned with centuries-old rose bushes and wild orchids, its the epitome of fairy-tale chic. You can even stay in the room where Colette brought her love story to life.
The Goldilocks Trailer, Cape Town
teddy bear dreams
A slightly more tongue in cheek approach to a magical fairy-tale abode in down town Cape Town, but hey we love the weird and wonderful here at Black Tomato. Perched on the roof of the uber cool Grand Daddy Hotel in its own Airstream trailer park, you can hole up in its delightfully kitsch Goldilocks and the three bears themed trailer. Featuring a candy coloured interior and even a collection of porridge bowls and a dress up bear suit. It doesn’t get more enchanting then this.
(6 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...follow james to san serriffe – the forgotten colony (shhh)
sandy sandy shores
Beautiful, idyllic and still relatively unknown, the forgotten British colony of San Serriffe has quietly emerged as one of our favourite destinations for 2011. Formerly a haven for intellectuals, political dissidents and the zen-seeking footloose, the island state’s booming steel industry has fuelled expansion in the tourism sector, most notably with the carefully-carpentered construction of a handful of unique boutique-style flop spots along the virgin shores of Gill Sands. Influenced by the indigenous Flong culture and curated by some of the island’s foremost creatives, these new luxury tree houses spiral down the south island’s prodigious palms (the so-called Sequoias of Serriffe).
Despite past fears predicting a collision with Sri Lanka sometime this year, fluctuations in the North Equatorial Current have meant that that the singularly migratory San Serriffe has sailed peacefully south and currently resides in the midst of the Indian Ocean, around 200km north east of Mauritius. Flight times to the capital Bodoni vary due to the constantly shifting position of the north and south Islands (Caissa Superiore and Caissa Inferiore), but new routes are planned to coincide with this year’s summer break. We’ll keep you posted.
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James Snowdon is Editorial Intern at Black Tomato
(8 votes, average: 4.50 out of 5) Loading ...a tale of two cities
Tuscan hills
You may have noticed that we’ve had our eyes on Italy recently. The trip we have just launched today takes you from Rome to the countryside just outside Florence. It probably has a lot to do with the amber hues currently bathing the Tuscan hillsides (see above), but we reckon this is the best time of year to go (the hordes haven’t got there yet and it’s not so baking hot that you feel as lethargic as a sloth). Perfect really.
rome skyline
We’ll whisk you off to Roma, where stunning architecture from days gone by fuses with a contemporary elegance and vibrant spirit that the city is so renowned for. Once you’ve had your city fix head to the Tuscan hills where you’ll find rural bliss and views to die for at your 14th century boutique hideaway. And did we mention more mouth-watering pizza and vino than you could shake a stick at? Ah bellissimo.
Have a peek here and you’ll see what we mean…
(4 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...a cipolla off the old block
welcome to roome. as you've never seen it before
In so many ways Rome is everything the rest of the world wants to be. Beauty piled high, layer upon layer of history and centuries of tradition, substance and power. This is civilisation’s ultimate onion (cipolla). Think Rome, think classical behemoths, colossal structures, strong stone skeletons and mile after mile of architectural ornamentation. Roma, the eternal city… A gorgeous, elaborate, sprawling mass… And a city with a wise eye firmly on the future.
The Ripa is one of a number of boutique-style design hotels cutting a distinctly modern swathe through the capital. A place in which hotel décor traditionally errs on the side of rather obtrusive ostentation, Rome is currently beating around the Bauhaus. And we love it. Simple, clean lines; single tone blocks with no confusion of colour – in any way grim this Ripa is not.
layer upon layer of brand new bauhaus
With this eye-widening take on modern minimalism, King Rosseli Architects are part of a movement adding yet another layer to the Roman onion. One of the most overwhelming, wholly enigmatic cities in the world today, a stay in ever-evolving Rome is never the same thing twice.
James Snowdon is Editorial Intern at Black Tomato
(10 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...couture crashpads
With London Fashion Week all wrapped up (neatly in a couture bow of course), the world’s most sartorially astute folk are currently decamping to Milano. We’ve poised over our morning cappuccinos and biscotti’s to pitch our top 5 favourite international boltholes where Senora Donatella and co. get their beauty sleep…
These are our favourite fashion pads where those in the know can get everything they want by the bucket load (style here doesn’t come in a size zero, oh no)… who says fashion is only made for the catwalk.
uno: 3 rooms 10 corso como, milan
contemporary cool at como
Furnished in homage to the vision of many mid-20th century designers and architects, the three spacious suites are filled with nifty pieces of furniture all handpicked for the hotel. Take one step outside your home away from home and you’ll find yourself surrounded by Milan’s famed boutiques.
le maurice bar
due: le meurice, paris
Dripping in elegance and luxury, this iconic Parisian hotel exhibits everything we love about the classic, chic French way of living. Located opposite the Tuileries Garden, this magical 18th century institution has seen a lot of history taking place over the years. Famous painters, writers, and designers have all sauntered through the grand doors of Le Maurice. The result is a setting that drives the artist flair that runs right through the veins of Paris. From Louis 6th marble bathrooms, to the recent embellishment of Philippe Starck, this place fuses historical decadence with contemporary cool.
tre: byblos art hotel, verona
byblos art
Another show-stopper from Italia. Once past the Shakespearean stone façade, you’re met by a riotous mix of rich colour, textures and pop art emblems. Think Medici meets Warhol and Dali, and you’ve got the Byblos. And falling under the umbrella of Gianni Versace’s label it’s no surprise really.
quattro : pelican hotel, miami beach
the cubarean
On the oh-so-hip Miami Beach strip, this eccentric and slightly naughty hotel has Diesel splashed all over. The owner of the brand Renzo Rosso even resides there. The vibe is all-out originality, with each room kitted out in an original theme. Our favourites include the Cubarean Islands room, and in true Miami Beach style; The Deco (cktail) room.
cinque: claridges diane von furstenburg suite
bold prints and sheer style
Fashions fairy godmother of print has sprinkled her magic dust around the suites of London’s classic institution; Claridges. Retaining the original Claridges characteristics, von Furstenberg has suped up these suites with bespoke fabrics and furniture with her iconic prints and bold colours. Ensuring the most glamorous of stays whilst exploring the capital.
(26 votes, average: 4.81 out of 5) Loading ...falling in llove
the llove exhibition
We love it when we hear about an inspirational new hotel, or an exhibition that pushes boundaries. So imagine our excitement when we stumbled upon the LLOVE exhibition; a slick cutting edge combo featuring the comfort of a hotel with the innovative style of a new art exhibition.
pieke bergman's 'in llove' undulating mattress room
Currently on show in Tokyo the hotel is comprised of rooms created by Dutch and Japanese designers, in aid of commemorating 400 years of trade and cultural relations between the two countries. Offering the unique experience of spending a night in an artistic space, it sheds a whole new light on appreciating art and design, no pesky wardens or opening hours to be found here.
Lie back, relax and surround yourself with the best in forward thinking Japanese and Dutch design. Achingly hip and with 14 rooms to choose from, think crisp lines, a palate of metals and urban shades, graced with the occasional pop of vibrant colour creating a unique and inspirational theatrical space.
'buried' by yuko nagayama
We love the ‘Buried’ room by Yuko Nagayama, which combines the traditional Japanese Bonzai tree with the essence of urban space. Once rested up and inspired, the hotel features a one of a kind café. All ingredients are from Nara, a region famous for its traditional Japanese culture, which is celebrating its 1300th anniversary as Japan’s first full-fledged capital, Nara Heijokyo. Now that’s a lot to celebrate.
(via Dezeen)
(6 votes, average: 3.50 out of 5) Loading ...haus is where the heart is
berlin
Al headed to Berlin recently and check out some seriously cool hotels along the way. Nothing like drinking champagne and chilling on roof top bars to get a weekend going…
As I’ve heard from many an enthusiastic Berliner, there’s nowhere quite like the German capital during the summer. And with an abundance of beer gardens to watch the World Cup in, I decided the opportunity was too good to miss. I’d been aching to spend some time in one of the centres of stylish culture in Europe and after a first botched attempt (a minor passport fiasco) I managed to get out there for a couple of days of kultur and a bit of R&R in Berlin’s best new designer boltholes.
the michelberger
The first night, as the taxi driver pulled up at the Michelberger Hotel, I knew I was in for a treat. A former office block, the hotel’s got an ultra-relaxed vibe with the reception decked-out like a living room (TVs, sofas and bookshelves included) complete with a piano and guitars (in case you feel the urge to break into song). The rooms have great little touches like walls plastered with books, baths sunk into the flooring and antique lamp shades. There’s even a suite decorated entirely in gold for that understated look… Tom Michelberger, owner and namesake, met me with champagne glass in hand – the way to start the weekend out right as far as I’m concerned.
It was the World Cup and the party was already in full swing, with a BBQ in the courtyard and the buzzing hopes of reaching the final running through every hallway (if only they had known then what they know now…). With live music and an “alternative Berlin” tour of local artist squats and graffiti sites there was plenty to check out. My advice: book a suite to get the most of the experience. You won’t regret it.
football pitches for rooms
Next stop – Prenzlauer Berg, and the latest offering from the Soho House group. A short walk from Mitte (the centre of town), I was delighted to find that the latest member’s club-come-hotel didn’t disappoint. With eight floors of rooms, spa, gym, pool and in-house cinema you’d be tempted to spend all of your time in-haus (get it?). And why not? The ‘smaller’ rooms have king-sized beds, a walk-in shower and little extras like vintage turntables complete with a vinyl selection that make your stay feel that little bit more deluxe. The larger suites have free standing baths, imported antiques and enough room for a game of football. Ok, maybe not quite a football pitch, but you get the idea.
The roof top bar and the stunning views of Berlin from the club room made my stay here a stand out experience. And with a new Cecconi’s restaurant among more renovations, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t already planning another trip over soon. Definitely not to be missed.
For your own Berlin experience, get in touch and we’ll have you saying ‘Guten Morgen’ in no time.
(2 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5) Loading ...taking swimming to new heights
This picture has been giving most of us at Black Tomato the heebee-jeebees. Don’t know about you, but infinity pools seem to work best for us when it gives the illusion of going on into infinity – not dropping off a 55 storey building.
standing tall, the marina bay sands resort pool
This is the Marina Bay Sands resort swimming pool in Singapore and it’s huge. Three times the length of a Olympic pool, it’s the world’s largest outdoor pool at 650ft in the air. But panic not, the pool doesn’t really drop off the edge, but in fact falls into a catchment area where it’s pumped back into the pool. With over 2,000 rooms coming in at £350 a night, we can’t imagine what happens when everyone wants to go for a dip. Good things there’s a casino downstairs to keep everyone busy while they wait their turn.
(5 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...our top 5 prison hotels
There’s nothing worse than staying in a hotel and having that ‘locked-up’ feeling. So this inspired us to hunt down our top 5 prison hotels that do the complete opposite and set you free.
1. liberty hotel, boston
the gorgeous interiors of the liberty hotel
This hotel is simply stunning. The building itself was used as a prison for 120 years, untill 1973 when the prisoners revolted due to poor living conditions. But the same can’t be said of the building now. The Liberty hotel has entitled all of its 298 rooms ‘Luxury’, and that’s the least that could be said about them. Gorgeous decor, breathtaking views of the city, and the plushest bathrooms around. We absolutley love that they’ve called their restaurant ‘Clink’, their bar ‘Alibi’ and the garden ‘the yard’. Clever.
malmaison hotel
2. malmaison hotel, oxford
This Victorian prison has been converted into the lavish Malmaison hotel. Keeping in touch with its dark past, expect solid cast iron doors, heavy large bricks, and the ever recognisable prison-like staircases. But, don’t think you’ll be missing an inch out on luxury. Four poster beds, mini cinema system and a host of services at your disposal. You know you’re in for more than a treat.
the contemporay interiors of lloyd hotel,
3. the lloyd hotel, amsterdam
This building was originally built as a hotel before being converted into a prison during the second world war. Shortly after it was uses as a work shop for artists, until re-opening in 2004 as a hotel. The quirky contemporary interiors and rich character of this hotel is simply magnificent. And with 117 rooms, ranging from 1-5 stars, you’ll be spoilt for choice whatever your budget. The 5 star rooms are a definite treat, featuring a bed big enough to sleep eight, a huge fibre glass bathtub sitting in the middle of the room, and (no less) a grand piano to rock the jail-house tunes.
the four season, instanbul
4. four season, istanbul
This hotel is housed in a gorgeous mustard yellow, neo-classical Turkish prison. Its 65 rooms look out onto a breathtaking courtyard, and every rooms is spacious with a decor fit for royalty. You’ll feel far removed from staying in a prison one step inside these four walls.
the långholmen hotel
5. the långholmen hotel, stockholm
For the near prison experience without any discomforts, the Landholmen is where you’re going to get it. Rooms come by single and double cells, and the decor is kept to minimum. We love how they retained the tiny blue cells door for each rooms, giving you that authentic experience until you’re released.
(2 votes, average: 3.00 out of 5) Loading ...
