Reviews Paul Revel
HOTEL METROPOLE Monte Carlo
THE METROPOLE IS one of the most opulent and elegant hotels in a town that’s crammed with them. It’s also – by Monaco's standards – almost discreet, tucked away out of sight behind a pretty box-hedge archway. It’s in the heart of the city, just off the famous Casino square in the central Monte Carlo district. Monaco train station connects to major European cities, and the principality is 14 miles from Nice International Airport (30 minutes by express shuttle bus, or seven minutes by helicopter – the only way to really arrive…)
ROOMS: The 141 rooms and suites come in a wide range of categories, with city, garden or sea views. The decor throughout the property is by Jacques Garcia, with stunning public spaces, and a classic, tasteful luxury vibe in guestrooms. The marble bathrooms come with Hermès products, and wifi is free. My junior suite was sunny, with plenty of room to work and relax. RESTAURANTS & BARS: World-renowned chef Joël Robuchon heads up the
4 Avenue de la Madone, BP 19, MC 98007 Monaco Cedex; tel +377 93 15 15 15;
www.metropole.com
hotel's dining offering with his two Michelin-starred Mediterranean restaurant – where the delicious breakfasts are also under his remit – and Yoshi, Robuchon's first foray into Japanese cuisine (with a western twist) which also boasts a Michelin star. BUSINESS FACILITIES: The event spaces for up to 110 delegates theatre-style include the light-filled Mediterranean room, and three boardrooms designed by Karl Lagerfeld. LEISURE FACILITIES: The large Odyssey pool garden and lounge has spectacular murals also by Lagerfeld – the area can be hired for exclusive events. There’s also an Espa spa with ten treatment rooms, and a fitness studio. VERDICT: With friendly service and exquisite food and decor, the hotel has a sense of intimacy, exclusivity and privilege. A five-star Monte Carlo hotel will never be cheap, but deals are possible in low season (see Destination report, p114).
100 Shoreditch High Street; tel +44 (0)20 7613 9800;
www.acehotel.com/london
Graham Smith
ACE SHOREDITCH London
ACE HOTELS WAS founded in Seattle in 1999 as an alternative to corporate brands. Its properties are design-led and intended to be a part of the local community. It also has hotels in Portland, Palm Springs, LA and New York. Formerly a Crowne Plaza, the concrete building is fairly drab
externally – but it’s a different story inside, where there are 258 guestrooms, a restaurant, bar, café, basement nightclub and takeaway juice bar.
ROOMS: There are five categories from Standard (21 sqm) to Suite (58 sqm). My fourth-floor Deluxe Double overlooked Shoreditch High Street and had an amazing view of Moorgate and St Paul’s. Each room also has a mural by a local young artist. Wifi is free. Design touches in my room included an acoustic guitar, Revo radio, a turntable and four LPs. Along the entire back wall ran a comfy built-in sofa – a wall-mounted HDTV could be angled so you could watch it from here or the bed. In the bathroom were Rudy’s Barbershop toiletries
in large bottles, and smart grey robes by Wings and Horns. RESTAURANTS & BARS: Hoi Polloi, an “English modernist brasserie”, is on the ground floor and has the look of a smart American diner – its day menu includes plaice, rabbit and burgers. There is a lobby bar and a coffee shop called Bulldog Edition. There is a sound-proofed bar/nightclub in the basement. BUSINESS FACILITIES: A 150-capacity conference space with a roof terrace is scheduled to open in the summer.
LEISURE FACILITIES: There is a gym in the basement with Life Fitness equipment, and a sauna. VERDICT: Some might find Ace Shoreditch “too cool for school”, but it is an impressive hotel for those who prioritise comfort and an informal atmosphere, and comes with all the facilities a business traveller would need. Its location will be a draw for some – it's just a three-minute walk from Shoreditch High Street rail station and a 15-minute walk up the road from Liverpool Street station.
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Photo: Mads Perch
www.buyingbusinesstravel.com
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