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REVIEW CHECKING OUT HOTEL > Vila d'este Buzios, Brazil
BY JULIE BAXTER The Background: Vila d'Este is a privately-owned boutique hotel set in an elevated position overlooking the main resort bay of Buzios. With rooms scattered through the hillside grounds, the owners have put together both the bedrooms and public areas with the love and attention to detail you would give your own home. The result is a stylish hotel with the atmosphere of a relaxed but classy home.
Where Is It? Buzios is a stylish resort two hours' drive north from Rio. First made popular by Bridget Bardot who discovered it in the 1960s, it has a smart resort area but retains characterful echoes of the original fishing village. The hotel is set on the resort's main bay, within easy walking distance of the many restaurants and shops and close to 20 other beautiful beaches which surround the town.
The Room: One of just 15 individually decorated rooms dotted through the hillside grounds, our room was an oasis of comfort and calm. While not huge, the rooms were simple and stylish, with crisp white linens and personal touches such as a selection of
books and a generously-stocked fruit bowl. The bathroom included a large shower and luxurious fluffy towels and lush toiletries.
Bars and Restaurant: There is just one restaurant, The Ristorantino Vila d'este, and a single terrace bar. The views from both are sensational and the food served unfussy and delicious. There's a Brazilian buffet breakfast each morning and Mediterranean cuisine served with a sunset each night.
Facilities and Activities: There are two ocean-front swimming pools at different levels – one beside the terrace deck area, the other, which is heated and has a hydromassage area, is linked to a steam- room. Recently added is a 'relax and massage' lounge within the tropical gardens, where massage therapies can be arranged. Venture beyond the hotel and there are a wide variety of beaches to explore and many opportunities for boat trips and watersports.
The Highlights: Once in the lower-terrace pool we could hardly bear to move! The view is spectacular and sipping cocktails in the sun while being gently pummelled by the hydromassage was hard to beat!
HOTEL > Beacon Hotel New York
BY ALAN ORBELL The Background: Built as an aparthotel in 1929, this ‘jewel of the Upper West Side’ property recently completed a complete renovation of its public areas and rooms/ suites; it has 130 of each across 25 floors. Moreover, the rooms are a lot bigger than is the norm in New York – probably one reason the hotel is so popular with Brits (independently and via tour operators) although our international top spot has (temporarily I’m sure) been overtaken by the Aussies.
Where Is It? On Broadway, close to all sorts of great places, from the Beacon Theater right next door to the Lincoln Center (10 blocks), Central Park (three blocks), the Museum of Natural History and New York Historical Foundation (six blocks) and Zabar’s, the best (and almost certainly biggest) delicatessen anywhere just five blocks away. A subway stop is only three blocks away and buses stop outside.
The Hotel: A compact lobby area and lounge that belies the size of the rooms to come. Hotel staff are friendly and efficient and a small concierge desk will arrange all
the tours and theatre bookings your clients might want.
The Room/Suite: Very spacious and all with small kitchenettes which include fridge/ freezer, cooker, cutlery/crockery, coffee percolator etc. for those who want to keep their holiday costs down with a spot of self- catering. The bathroom features Gilchrist and Soames toiletries. The living room has a desk, separate round table, sofa, wide- screen TV and iPod docking clock radio. The bedroom has cupboard space (where the iron/ironing board is stored) two large double beds, a wide-screen TV and chest of drawers. A second wardrobe is off the lobby together with a room safe.
The Restaurant: Right next door is the Viand Café which is open all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s an archetypal New York diner and good value for money.
The Facilities: There was, and will be again in the future, a health club but right now it’s just a great place to stay on New York’s Upper West Side. Wi-Fi is available for $9.95 per 24 hours, there’s a
Recommend to: Honeymooners, romantic couples or anyone who loves a little bit of style. Bright, airy and open, this is a perfect spot for chilling out after a hectic tour and will combine well with a busy few days in Rio. The master suite with its own Jacuzzi is fantastic and perfect for honeymooners.
The Cost: Stay seven nights pay six until Dec 15 2010. £64pp per night including breakfast Standard Garden View Room
The Details: T. (55 22) 2623 1546; E:
reservas@viladeste.com.br
The Verdict
Beautiful position, great relaxed atmosphere and excellent service. This is a true boutique hotel stylishly finished with lots of nice little touches but completely unpretentious. Visitors here will never tire of the view!
Exceptional Pass
Loved it! Farce
complimentary guest internet centre, same- day valet dry-cleaning and a coin-operated laundry on the premises.
The Cost: From around $235 per night for a standard room or $295 for a suite.
The Details: Hotel Beacon, 2130 Broadway at 75th Street, New York, NY 10023. Tel: 001 212 787 1100 or reservations on 001 800 572 4969. E:
reservations@beaconhotel.com W:
www.beaconhotel.com
The Verdict
A real individual New York hotel with staff who genuinely know and love the city they work in; great for getting tips. It’s in a fairly residential area so there are plenty of local shops and restaurants to enjoy.
Exceptional Pass
Loved it! Farce
www.sellinglonghaul.com • September 2010 39
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