CHECKING OUT WHERE TO... STAY: HOTEL MONACO – SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
BY ALAN ORBELL THE BACKGROUND: One of three Kimp- ton hotels in Seattle (see sellinglonghaul- com/Reviews for a review of the Vintage Park) which typify the eclectic style of the 57-property luxury boutique brand. Free morning coffee/tea and wine tast- ing at 5pm each evening are staples of Kimpton hotels.
THE LOCATION: On 4th Avenue just a short walk from the heart of down- town, Pioneer Square and Pike Street Market, the four-star Hotel Monaco is also across the street from the city’s impressive modern public library, with great views from the 10th fl oor.
THE ROOM: A reasonably sized room (one of 189) with a mix of furniture styles from a bright red bedside chest of drawers through a black and white patterned mini-bar to a shiny gold easy chair. A dark grey subtly striped carpet graced the fl oor while various artworks and a wide-screen TV added to the
STAY: THE VERDICT
mix. So too did Nemo the goldfi sh in his tiny bowl. There was a long work table with ample sockets and a desk chair, four large table lights, wardrobe with iron/board, safe, yoga mat and…a leopard-skin style bathrobe. The bath- room was small and functional.
KEY FACILITIES: Internet costs $11.99 for 24 hours but this can be avoided by signing up to Kimpton’s free loyalty scheme. In-room spa services are available and there is also a gym
and a small gift/general store off the spacious and attractive lobby, which comes with loads of comfortable sofas and a mock log fi re.
RESTAURANTS/BARS: The Monaco’s bright and airy Sazerac Restaurant and bar is open all day.
RATES: From $199 per night.
Hotel Monaco - Seattle, 1101 4th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98101; Tel: 001 206 621 1770;
monaco-seattle.com
HOTEL TONGSAI BAY – KOH SAMUI, THAILAND
BY HUGH WILLIAMS THE BACKGROUND: The family-run Tong- sai Bay is one of the most long-standing luxury hotels on Koh Samui. In an area of outstanding natural beauty in the north of the island, its sprawling layout adds a secluded feel to the different accommodation options: cliff-top cot- tages, luxury suites; pool villas; seaside/ beach villas; and grand villas.
THE LOCATION: The hotel sits on its own ‘private’ bay about a 20-minute taxi ride from the airport, and a 30-minute moped ride from the eastern beaches of Chaweng and Cheong Mon.
THE ROOM: We stayed in a Grand Villa overlooking the Half Moon Pool with spectacular views of the coastline from the enormous terrace. Each of the villas has its own garden path, front gate and enclosed terrace, which adds to the feeling of privacy and intimate seclusion. The terrace comes with four-
poster bed, twin recliners and Jacuzzi bath as well as a fully-equipped kitchen. The villa was relatively com- pact with a reception area, adjoining bathroom and back garden with a com- bined living area and bedroom. There was Wi-Fi, an LCD TV and an iPod docking system.
RESTAURANTS/BARS: Chef Chom’s Thai Restaurant, situated behind the reception lobby, opens on alternative nights to the Butler’s Grill next to the Half-Moon Pool. The Po-Lad beach- front restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and is a great place to relax with a happy hour cocktail. Breakfast in Chef Chom’s is an amazing experience, offering everything from pancakes to homemade jams and health drinks.
KEY FACILITIES: The distance between the facilities is never an issue, as the hotel has a fl eet of electric golf bug-
THE VERDICT
gies. For those that prefer a child-free area there is a second pool and patio area called ‘The Half Moon’, reserved for adults. There is a gymnasium, run- ning track and a tennis court as well as a catamaran and canoes for hire. There's also a Prana Spa.
84 Moo 5, Bo Phut, Ko Samui, Surat Thani, 84320 Thailand; Res: 0066 (0)2381 8774-6 Email reser-
vation@tongsaibay.co.th;
tongsaibay.co.uk
The Tongsai Bay is one of the most long-standing and popular luxury hotels on Koh Samui for a reason, it really is as close to perfection as you are likely to get anywhere in Thailand. The environmentally friendly approach coupled with the ‘can do’ attitude of all members of staff will leave your clients feeling truly relaxed. It is hard to think of a better honeymoon location.
An excellent base for a Seattle stay. It's convenient and welcoming and the staff are unfailingly friendly to the point of telling me how embarrassed they were to charge me $11.99 for internet usage; immediately waived by my signing up for the loyalty scheme. Warmly recommended.
HOTELS / RESORTS / TRAIN JOURNEYS / AIRPORTS
EXCEPTIONAL LOVED IT! PASS FARCE
EXCEPTIONAL LOVED IT! PASS FARCE
www.sellinglonghaul.com
july/August 2013 59
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