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REVIEWS CHECKING OUT
HOTEL NOVOTEL - NEW YORK, USA
BY JULIE BAXTER THE BACKGROUND:Part of the Accor Group, the Novotel brand offers mid- market options in key locations. This 480- room property matches the promise and offers smart, good quality contemporary accommodation at the heart of the city.
LOCATION:Could not have been better. Located in Midtown New York, right in the theatre district, the hotel is on the corner of 52nd St and Broadway. It was an easy walk to Times Square, the Broadway theatres, Central Park, the Rockefeller Center, museums and 5th Avenue for shopping.
GETTING THERE:The hotel is 10 miles from La Guardia Airport, 18 miles from John F. Kennedy Airport and 17 miles from Newark International, and can be reached via the airport shuttle bus or subway.
CHECK-IN:Entry at street level brought us to the bell boys who took our bags and called the lift to the first floor for reception. Check in was quick and easy at one of a bank of reception desks. Staff were friendly and helpful and we were in our room within minutes of our arrival.
THE ROOM:The bedroom was light and airy with a huge picture window looking out over the city skyline. Opening the window showed just how effective the double-glazing was, as even high up above the New York crowds the traffic noise was incredible. With the windows shut there was no disturbance at all. The ensuite bathroom with shower and bath was smart and contemporary. The bed was king-sized, and then there was a sofa seating area and large desk with internet. The 26'' LCD TV offered a pay movies option.
KEY FACILITIES:We kept fit by walking the New York streets, checking out the sights but for fitness fans there is a gym within the hotel. A helpful concierge has a desk at reception and was very helpful with all manner of advice on tours, city transport and theatre tickets.
THE RESTAURANT:There is every imaginable dining option available just minutes from the hotel but if you want to stay in, the Cafe Nicole overlooks Times Square and offers brasserie-style dining. On the seventh floor of the hotel, a terrace bar is a great location for cocktails.
HIGHLIGHT:Breakfast! Not just for the fabulous buffet brimming with muffins and pastries, fruit and cooked options, but for the view. Served in Cafe Nicole, the floor to ceiling windows puts you at the heart of the city buzz while you're still cocooned by the serenity and good service of the hotel.
RATES:King-size rooms from £190 a night.
THE DETAILS: 226 West 52nd Street 10019 New York, USA, Tel 001 212 315 0100. E-mail
novotel.newyork@
accor.com Web:
www.novotel.com
HOTEL SPICE ISLAND BEACH RESORT - GRENADA
BY LAURA GELDER THE BACKGROUND:Owner-run, all-inclusive Spice Island is the baby of Sir Royston Hopkin and his family, who pride themselves on a very personal and attentive service.
LOCATION:The resort is situated on Grenada's famously beautiful Grand Anse Beach, on the southwest coast. Just a 10- minute drive from the airport and around half an hour into the capital St. George's.
CHECK-IN:On arrival I was greeted with cold towels and an even colder 'Classic', the resort's signature cocktail which mixes Champagne with red sorrel, creating a dainty pink and very refreshing drink.
THE ROOM:There are several different categories of suite, some with private pools set back from the beach and some located right on the beach. My Royal Mace Suite from the Royal Collection of Pool Suites is just shy of the top category, but you wouldn't know it as you open the door to your 1500 square-foot mini villa. Secluded behind its own white walls there is a sauna, sun terrace with umbrella, table, chairs and a sunbed and a 16 x 20 foot pool. Inside, the
cool air-conditioning was a welcome greeting as I stepped into my small lounge, where a platter of chilled fruit, a complimentary mini bar and full-sized bottles of wines and spirits greeted me. The bedroom is dominated by a stately and incredibly comfortable four poster and the decoration is in a cosy, dark-wood colonial- style. The large, white bathroom has generous Molton Brown amenities.
THE FACILITIES:A boutique sells essentials like mossie spray, as well as frivolous extras. Activities like hobie-cats, snorkelling and kayaking are complimentary. There are also tennis courts and bikes available. The resort can arrange diving trips, yacht charters and day tours for an extra
charge.The Nutmeg Pod is a free, supervised play space for youngsters aged three to 12. Wedding, honeymoon and vow renewal packages are available. On site is Janissa’s Spa, which has a lovely outdoor relaxation lounge and offers massages and treatments and a beauty salon.
DINING:Oliver's is one of Grenada's top fine dining restaurants. The inventive menu blends local favourites with international gourmet flavours. I ate glazed mahi mahi
The Verdict
Cool and comfortable place to stay right in the heart of New York. Its fantastic position makes it a great base from which to explore the buzzing city right on its doorstep.
EXCEPTIONAL LOVED IT! PASS FARCE
with fish chowder, spring onion and tomato vinaigrette, followed by roasted Cornish hen with curry dasheen cake and cocoa tea parfait to finish – all beautifully presented and passionately introduced by the maitre d'.
HIGHLIGHT:The incredibly attentive staff who knew my name when they hadn't even met me – incredible!
RATES:The lead-in Oleander Garden Suites start from US$ 860 per night, all-inclusive.
THE DETAILS:
www.spicebeachresort.com
The Verdict
The facilities of a large, full- service resort, with all the intimacy and attention to detail of a boutique resort – a good balance which will attract families as well as couples and friends.
EXCEPTIONAL LOVED IT! PASS FARCE
www.sellinglonghaul.com • December 2011 17
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