My Favourite Hotels

With so much talk about travel this week I thought I\’d share my favourite places that I\’ve stayed. Some of my favourite chains include the Kimpton Hotels and Four Seasons (both of which are very dog friendly and have great loyalty programs).Chateau du Sureau: Perhaps one of my favourites, this privately created and run chateau sits in an unassuming town just outside of Yosemite National Park in California. Upon arrival you are greeted by a personal butler and have run of the chateau and grounds (with just a handful of other guests). The personal service is unparalleled, the food absolutely amazing and the rooms? Hand picked antiques from around the world by the very hospitable proprietress (whose rags to riches story is quite remarkable). The spa is the place to be pampered but the pool is more economical. Barbara Streisand rented the place out for her honeymoon. And just a side note, I have a severe food allergy and, after accidentally getting sick on several things a few days before, was really scared to eat anything from the small town. I found a \”Gluten Free\” frozen entree that I bought and brought back to the Chateau. I timidly asked them if they\’d heat it up. Not only did they “Of course!” but they set the closed dining room up {with silk linens, fine china and silver} just for me and my frozen $2 dinner.Four Seasons Henri V Paris: I wrote about my experience a few months back and it was that experience that has made this hotel one of my favourites and the one I return to time and time again when in Paris. There were fresh tulips in the room and desserts laid out upon my arrival. I had room service breakfast (since I had to leave at 6AM) and it arrived on silk linens and fine china. And the bathroom? Oh what a bath experience I had thanks to a “Bath Butler!”Tiffany\’s: A Sweet Hotel – Copenhagen: Copenhagen is expensive so I was surprised to discover an affordable hotel that seemed to have quite a few amenities and be well located. I was even more surprised to discover that it really is a sweet hotel! The room I had was rather large, had a fridge and had breakfast delivered to it daily. It was quiet, very clean and had the most helpful staff. And yes, it was perfectly located for walking all over Copenhagen!Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel: I’ve stayed here on several occasions but my favourite room is the one that faces the golf course, has a fireplace and a rounded ceiling (I think it ends in 84 or 74). The spa is the best that I’ve ever been to and is actually affordable if you do just a day pass. There’s an old world glamour feeling to this hotel and it’s in easy walking distance to most things in the town.Westin Grand Vancouver – Do you want to know what it feels like to live in Vancouver? Then stay here but try staying on one of the top two floors where you get private service, unlimited local phone, internet and food service. I loved the golden room with the simple pine furniture. It was laid out like a new condo downtown and had 180 views of the city (with floor to ceiling windows!) A small fridge, a living room, a desk area, large marble bath and a separate bedroom made it feel like I was coming home each night of my 5 night stay here. And when a rainstorm hit I had the best view. Also perfectly located for walking about the city.Wedgewood Hotel, Vancouver: I had a suite which held the coziest couch I’ve ever been on, the most indulgent bed and the best bathtub ever. And one of the biggest balconies for that matter. You can tell that this is owned and run by a woman because the details are amazing at every turn. The Bacchus Restaurant is one of my favourite places for either brunch or afternoon tea. Read my full review on my travel site.Ritz Carlton San Francisco – I usually stay Club Level with the Ritz properties and while they\’re always nice, they weren\’t as nice as this. This hotel just screams old world glamour from the location on top of the hill to their gorgeous suites complete with rose petal baths. What was a mystery to me, however, was how everyone seemed to know my name. Whenever I walked in or out of the hotel the doorman would greet me by name – even if I\’d never seen him before! That\’s either creepy or very impressive!Willows Lodge Hotel Seattle WA: Everyone knows it rains – a lot – in Seattle. It\’s cold, dark and grey. However, this hotel makes you want it to be like that because the inside is made for cosying up, relaxing, and listening to the rainfall. With fireplaces in every room, large sinker tubs, amazing stereo systems low lighting, balcony and Northwest colour scheme, this hotel is perfect for a getaway. The spa? Amazing. The restaurant? Even better (they have their own herb farm on hand!)le Pigeonnier in Isle sur la Sorgue Provence: So incredibly charming (and well located) is this place that when I go back to Provence, this is where I go. The gite is impeccably kept, extremely comfortable and very private. It’s like having your own little apartment in Provence. But what is better is the breakfast that Corinne brings to you each morning; so many croissants, muffins and yoghurt. And the owners are very hospitable which makes this stay not only a good value, but a good experience.To stay up to date on all my favourite places to stay, follow my Pintrest Board:[prw username=\”thealexthegirl\” boardname=\”my-favourite-hotel-stays\” maxfeeds=\”55\” divname=\”myList\” printtext=\”0\” target=\”newwindow\” useenclosures=\”yes\” thumbwidth=\”120\” thumbheight=\”120\” showfollow=\”medium\”]