REVIEWS
5 THE CALEDONIAN
Edinburgh, UK A former Victorian railway station and hotel, the Caledonian sits in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle and is the perfect base for shopping and sightseeing. There are 241 rooms and suites and it’s definitely worth paying extra for a castle view room. As well as the UK’s first Guerlain Spa, the Caledonian has fine dining from Michelin-starred chefs the Galvin brothers at The Pompadour by Galvin, and the Galvin Brasserie de Luxe, which offers French brasserie favourites and a faultless and friendly service. Peacock Alley is an insight into the hotel’s past. In homage to the grand Caledonian Railway, the old station clock is situated above the restaurant and runs five minutes fast, to ensure people didn’t miss their train. It’s the perfect place for cocktails, breakfast, dinner, or my favourite, afternoon tea.
A junior suite costs from £255 per night
WALDORFASTORIAEDINBURGH.COM
Stephanie Krahn 62 — aspire september 2014
6 NH PALAZZO BAROCCI
Venice, Italy After a six-month, top-to-toe renovation, this 59-room hotel lives up to its prime location right on the Grand Canal. Built in 1890 on the site of the 17th century Sant’Angelo theatre, the building’s exterior is a classic terracotta Venetian palace, while inside its dramatic past is referenced but updated with touches such as a sweeping red velvet curtain behind the reception desk. Rooms have a contemporary classic feel, in tones of mushroom and gold, and 15 of them – a mix of executive rooms and junior suites – have Grand Canal views. The best value choice in my book is room 305, a lower priced junior suite without Grand Canal view, but with its own west-facing private roof terrace accessed by a secret passageway – perfect for watching the sun set over Venice.
From £174 per night
NH-HOTELS.COM
Joanna Booth
7
SHANGRI-LA’S BARR AL JISSAH RESORT & SPA Muscat, Oman
Three hotels in one make for a lot of options and a lot of space. Al Waha is the largest of the three and aimed at families. Al Bandar, which translates to The Town, is inspired by old Muscat and is the resort’s focal point with seven food and beverage outlets. Al Husn Hotel, which has 180 rooms and suites, is the poshest of the three inspired by an Arabian palace and has its own over-16s beach. Across the three there are enough places to eat, drink, swim and relax for several holidays and enough room to allow adults who don’t want to be near children to have some space. And even the fussiest of eaters won’t struggle. There are 20 restaurants and bars, along with a Chi spa, three beaches, three pools,a fitness centre, tennis courts and a dive centre.
From £225 bed and breakfast
SHANGRI-LA.COM
Rupert Murray
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