I always look for the time when I return to London. Definitely one of my favorite cities and I could easily see myself living there in the future. Something about London just fits with my personality. Here is a short video that summarizes what I did while I was there in January.
Enjoy and happy travels!
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrYDhnyw924[/youtube]
There are many options for accommodation in Nice, France. My second stop was at a brand that I’m very familiar with, the Radisson Blu. I have a long and fond history with Radisson Blu. They are one of those brands that are quite consistent, no matter the location. The Nice property is about halfway from the city center to the airport. It is right along the beach. The property is currently undergoing a massive update. The lobby and restaurant have already been renovated and the rooms are next! Also, coming soon is a brand-new rooftop restaurant! I’m already excited to return.
Click HERE to check out the Radisson Blu Nice Hotel!
After checking in, I headed up to the fifth floor to explore my sea view room. The size of the room was quite comfortable. The major benefit of this room would have to be the balcony. An absolutely stunning view at all hours, just take a look. You’ll find a standard sized shower and bathtub in the bathroom.
Although this is a hotel, it feels more like a resort. On the roof, you’ll find a very large pool with lots of seating areas and a bar. This will also be the location of the new restaurant. Down one floor is where you will find their fitness area that includes a sauna and steam room. I’ve definitely been missing my steam room use so this was a very pleasant surprise!
I made sure to try their Le 223 restaurant which was way better than my expectation! I actually jumped at the chance for a dinner there. Overall, the food was nice and I would highly recommend the mozzarella for a starter.
Le 223 is the same restaurant where the breakfast is served. Something I love about the Radisson Blu brand are the breakfasts! In Nice, this was no different. I was delighted to find a fantastic buffet with lots of items, all tasting great. I can’t forget to mention that the wait staff during the breakfast were also on point. Pro tip: Order a cheese and ham omelette!
The Radisson Blu hotel definitely has a lot to offer. I can’t wait to revisit when their update is complete. Nice is such a beautiful city and I enjoyed my time at the Radisson Blu. Although it’s not in the center, you’ll enjoy the pleasant staff, great food and a beautiful view. All in all, my stay at the Radisson Blu in Nice, France was comfortable and I’m sure most would enjoy a stay there!
Hotel
Promenade des Anglais, 223 F-06200 Nice France
Phone: +33 4 9717 7177
I’ve been to France several times, but this was my first time in Nice. I wanted to visit the French Riviera for some time and was happy to finally have the opportunity! I arrived at the Nice airport close to midnight and headed over to La Perouse hotel. I was extremely tired so it was definitely a relief to have a no hassle check-in and head up to my suite.
Click HERE to check out La Perouse Hotel!
I must say that the La Perouse hotel is extremely conveniently located. On the backside you have the port and on the other, the promenade, you can’t get a much better area than this. My room had both a view of the promenade and the sea. They left a nice tray of fruit as a welcome gift. There was a full-sized couch, desk and comfortable bed. The bathroom was also large and equipped with both a bathtub and large shower stall, along with two sinks. Very comfortable. The only thing missing was a way to make coffee.
The property is quite interesting because it was built at different times. Therefore, there are different elevators to get to different floors. After figuring it all out, I headed up to the rooftop the following morning to see what I could find. The roof was two floors above my fourth floor suite. The view was about the same as my room, but gorgeous as well and offered both a fitness area and jacuzzi.
From the rooftop, you can look down to see the pool and patio but you must go down to the first floor to access them. I can imagine that in the summertime, this would be absolutely fantastic area to spend time outdoors. The pool is sitting next to a large cliff which creates a very beautiful background.
After working out a bit and exploring property, I headed down to my first breakfast. The dining room offered lots of light which created a great atmosphere. The breakfast itself was about what I expected, mostly focusing on bread but you’re also able to order eggs of your choosing. They have other protein sources such as sliced meat and quiche as well.
My stay at the La Perousa hotel was quite smooth. Every moment of the stay had gorgeous views which were a huge plus. I parts I liked most were that they were very punctual with their maid service, and the location was incredible. In conclusion, if you’re looking for a fantastic view and a comfortable place to stay, than I would recommend you to stay at La Perouse hotel in Nice, France.
Hotel
11 Quai Rauba Capeu, 06300 Nice, France
Phone: +33 04 93 62 34 63
I’m sure you already read my review of the Royal Palm Resort in Marrakesh, Morocco in this article. During my stay, I made sure to sample all of their dining options, including their traditional Moroccan restaurant called Al Ain. The restaurant is located in the main building of the compound, above the lobby.
You’ll notice right away upon entering the gorgeous ambiance, with traditional Moroccan flair. It’s an intimate setting that feels very private and comfortable. To start the evening off, I went with a truly Moroccan wine called Gris. This is a wine in a category of its own, sitting in between white wine and rose. Definitely something worth trying during your trip to Morocco.
Normally, I don’t even bother mentioning the bread, however, the lemon bread at Al Ain was out of this world! It had so much flavor! I’d love to know the recipe. To accompany this wonderful bread was a beautiful beet soup. This was served with goat cheese and together, made a fantastic pair. Just lovely.
After the amuse bouche, it was time to move on to the starters. I obviously went with the traditional Moroccan salads which were comprised of not one, not two, but six separate dishes. I liked some more than others and in the end, they were all quite nice. The other starter I decided on was the Briouates refreshed with salad of tomato and onion. These were several deep-fried items with salad and all were quite spectacular, especially the prawn.
When a server gets excited about something, I know it will be extra tasty. At Al Ain, the server got especially enthusiastic about the lamb. Picking up on his feeling, I had to order. Definitely enough for two people or perhaps three. This was some of the most tender lamb I’ve ever had. Not only was it tender on the inside, but it had this beautiful crispy crust on the outside, which made it extra enjoyable. For the wine to accompany the lamb, I went with another Moroccan wine called Passion, which has a very intense flavor. This was a pairing I sort of stumbled on, but it turned out to be a perfect match with the lamb.
To finish off this fantastic meal it was time for dessert. I was recommended the orange salad. It was oranges that were cut up and served with cream and ice cream. Not only did it have a beautiful presentation, it tasted extraordinary as well.
During the entire meal there was a live Moroccan band playing very wonderful music. Not only did they play music they also got up and danced around towards the end of the evening and really added a sense of fun and enjoyment to the evening. Out of the Moroccan food I’ve had up to this point in my life, this was definitely the best meal. If you’re looking for great Moroccan food, great service and a fantastic atmosphere, then you should look no further than the Al Ain restaurant at the Royal Palm Resort in Marrakesh, Morocco.
The Nitty Gritty
Taste - 9.3
Value - 7.7
Feng Shui - 9
Convenience - 7.4
Service - 7.9
8.3
Phenomenal!
Restaurant
BP 2470, Km 12 route d’Amizmiz Marrakesh, Morocco
Phone: (+212) 524 48 78 00
There are so many types of accommodation in Marrakesh, Morocco. Depending on what you’re looking for, there are tons of high-quality options for your choosing. If you’re looking for a luxurious option than you should take a look at the Royal Palm Marrakesh. It’s important to note that the Royal Palm is also a popular golf course. Located about 13 km south of the city center, the Royal Palm offers a tropical oasis with high-quality luxury accommodations to make sure you enjoy your holiday.
Click HERE to check out the Fairmont Royal Palm!
The first thing I noticed upon entering the property was that it’s a large compound! From the main road, you’ll drive through lots of buildings before you arrive at the hotel. Everything about the Royal Palm is extravagant. You’ll notice this from the moment you walk in the front door. Very tall ceilings with comfortable seating looking out to an enormous pool and then the golf course. The hotel is relatively new and the design is contemporary with a Moroccan twist.
For my stay, I went with the junior suite. Lucky for me, my room was located in the first building next to the main lobby. Just like the public areas, the suite was very extravagant as well. There was a large sofa in the living room with access a very large terrace that extended to the bedroom. A perfect place to enjoy the view.
The bedroom was great and had a bed with very comfortable bedding. The part of the room that got me the most excited would have to be the incredible bathroom. The bathroom had a bath tub that was the size of a hot tub! It was very large indeed and also a large shower stall. Connected to the bathroom was a large walk-in closet.
Overall, the room design was just fantastic and very comfortable. It really does feel like home. They go above and beyond offering a great coffee machine and a complementary minibar of nonalcoholic beverages. A nice touch!
You can choose to relax or stay active during your time at the Royal Palm Marrakesh. I of course took advantage of both opportunities and when I wanted to be active I used the fitness center. It’s a multi-floor building that offers a wide variety of activities including a standard gym with tons of equipment, tennis courts, ping-pong table, a large lap pool and a squash court. Lots of activities available for the whole family!
This is definitely a family destination. While you’re out enjoying the golf course you can drop your kids off at the kids club which is impressive in itself. The design is clearly inspired by the local surroundings of Morocco. They have a great staff that will take care of your children while you’re out and about.
I also can’t forget to mention that there are multiple dining options at the property. Whether you’re enjoying a fantastic cocktail in the bar, and authentic tasty Moroccan dish in their Al Ain restaurant or you fancy international cuisine, everyone will find something that they enjoy. Even the breakfast was out of this world. The breakfast was served in their international restaurant and has a wide variety of options for your choosing. All fresh and tasty which made Pierre happy.
When it was all said and done, I was sad to leave Marrakesh. If you’re interested in escaping the hustle and bustle of city life, and would like to experience a more relaxed setting with all the amenities and more, than I’m sure you’d fancy staying at the Royal Palm in Marrakesh, Morocco!
Hotel
BP 2470, Km 12 route d’Amizmiz Marrakesh, Morocco
Phone: (+212) 524 48 78 00
It’s pretty much a given that when you visit Marrakesh, you must stay in a traditional riad. If you didn’t know, a riad is a traditional Moroccan style house with a garden or courtyard in the center. It was my first trip to Marrakesh and I decided on the Dar Les Cigognes by Sanssouci Collection hotel just next to the El Badii Palace. It’s only about a 10 minute walk to the main square, and is part of the old city. A great point to begin your explorations!
Click HERE to check out Dar Les Cigognes!
To get there, you walk alongside the palace walls and eventually you’ll find an unassuming door. Knock on the door to enter, you’ll be greeted by a person with a smile, and then you’ll enter an oasis. The design is intricate and there are patterns everywhere. In the center of the riad there is a fountain with flowers and four trees surrounding it. The way that it’s built creates a magical and peaceful environment. I spent hours just sitting on the sofas in this area to enjoy the surroundings.
My room was located on the first floor so I could easily look down on this masterpiece. The room offered the same beautiful designs as the public areas. The bathroom was also a very colorful work of art. They’ve used a very intense green color that covers the entire space and was quite calming and relaxing. The bathtub was just enormous. A great place to relax after a long day of exploring.
Moving out of the rooms, going up another floor, you’ll find the rooftop terrace. This is another great area where you can enjoy afternoon tea and breakfast. I was sure to relax on the terrace and take in the great weather that we were having during my time in Marrakesh.
On the terrace the next morning, I went with their complete breakfast. They offer a la carte items also, but I would recommend the large breakfast option. Eggs of your choosing will come accompanied with tons of goodies, including all types of breads and of course, Moroccan mint tea. Not sure if you’re familiar, but this mint tea is no ordinary mint tea. It’s sweetened perfectly and I could drink the stuff all day, everyday. I was full but I couldn’t resist finishing almost everything. Definitely a strong point for the property.
Dar Les Cigognes will give you the real local experience. As soon as you enter, you’re treated like family and can feel the genuine hospitality. Given the traditional experience, don’t expect a pool or gym. They do however, offer a spa where you can try a hammam, Moroccan style. It’s important to mention that the hotel is very focused on food and actually offers cooking classes if you’re interested in learning how to cook Moroccan food!
In the end, this is truly a gorgeous property. They have a lot to offer and you’ll be able to experience a real local Moroccan experience. It’s incredibly fantastic and now I totally understand why everything I’ve read said you must stay in a riad during your stay in Marrakesh! This was a beautiful stay at my first riad, and I’m sure you will enjoy your time too at Dar Les Cigognes by Sanssouci Collection the next time you’re in Marrakesh, Morocco!
Dar Les Cigognes by Sanssouci Collection
Hotel
108, rue de Berima, Marrakesh, Morocco
Phone: +212 5243-82740
The Majestic hotel in Barcelona is classic and has a lot to offer. On my most recent trip to Barcelona, I stayed there and took some time to try a meal at their Condal restaurant. The restaurant is ran by chef Nandu Jubany. Prior to my visit, I read up on him and was impressed with his culinary history. Surprisingly, there’s really not that much information about this restaurant online, I’d like to change!
The evening actually started in the lobby, at the bar. Luckily the head bartender was there to create the best old-fashioned I’ve ever had. The proportions were just perfect and it put me in a great mood for the rest of the evening. The restaurant is located just one floor down from the lobby. The dining room is quite unassuming and simplistic in its design. Mirrored walls give the illusion that it is bigger than it is. There are only about seven tables so it’s clear that the restaurant focuses on quality over quantity.
I started the meal with the tuna tartar and the burrata. The tuna tartar had a very Asian influence because it was seasoned with wasabi. In appearance, it definitely looks Latin with the taco shells, but in taste, if you closed your eyes, you might imagine you were in a sushi bar. Regardless, the flavor was out of control and definitely one of my favorite tuna tartars, ever! The burrata had a new twist mixed with flavors I’m not used to combining with this cheese.
For the main course, I went with the sirloin. This piece of meat and its friends combined to make a match made in heaven. The meat was cooked perfectly and just melted in my mouth. This perfect meat came along with great French fries and beautiful mushrooms. I combined this with a 2012 Muga Rioja. You can’t go wrong with this combination!
To finish off the meal, of course had to sample their tasty sounding desserts. I went with the lemon tart and the chocolate cake. The cake was layered with different types of chocolate and was very rich, but had raspberries which helped to balance out the sweetness. The lemon tart was very tart indeed. A very intense flavor which I enjoyed. Always be sure to accompany your desserts with a drink. For me it was with a Moscatel.
For such an unassuming restaurant, it really blew my mind. I think the dining room could use a little bit of an update, but everything else was incredible. The service was great and the food was even better. This hotel knocked it out of the park in all categories including their restaurants. They have a fantastic rooftop bar, a great lobby bar and multiple restaurants for your enjoyment. It’s almost worth going to Barcelona only to visit the Majestic hotel and all it has to offer, including the restaurant Condal!
The Nitty Gritty
Taste - 9.1
Value - 7.9
Feng Shui - 7.4
Convenience - 9
Service - 8
8.3
Perfecto!
Condal at Majestic Hotel Barcelona
Restaurant
Passeig de Gràcia, 68, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Phone: +34 934 88 17 17
You already know from the article about the Fairmont hotel in Barcelona that I love the design of the lobby. There the hotel offers their B24 restaurant. If you’re not familiar, it has a very modern design with lots of comfortable seating and beautiful hanging light fixtures.
The menu focuses on mostly local cuisine such as tapas. They also offer a very wide selection of alcoholic beverages for your enjoyment. To start off the meal, of course I had to enjoy the Iberian ham. This is the typical Spanish ham that came accompanied with toast that had mashed tomatoes on top. You can’t go wrong with this combination! To enjoy alongside the ham, I also enjoyed a glass of cava and a cheese plate. All were great and a fantastic way to get the evening started.
Moving forward, it was time to get to the larger items. For the next round, I went with the king prawns with avocado. This was basically a dish with prawns and guacamole. I like both of these things separate and I didn’t realize they went together so well until this meal. Great pairing. I also put in an order for their tuna tartar with a seasonal salad. I’ve had lots of tuna tartar, especially in Asia, and it always had a very specific taste. For this tuna tartar, I was surprised with the different way they seasoned the dish. It had a more sweet and tangy flavor which was enjoyable and especially good with the crackers that came along with it.
Just wait, there’s more! For mains, I went with the rice that had shrimp, calamari, ribs and sausages in it as well as an order of octopus. These dishes were also spot on and I really enjoyed the octopus. It had a sauce on top that had paprika, which was just superb. For these, I switched over to a red wine also from Spain, called Conde de San Cristobal.
I was getting full but I couldn’t say no to a sweet Sherry and a few desserts. For this, I went with chocolate cake with nuts and lemon pie. The lemon pie had a very strong intense flavor, but quite enjoyable.
I really loved the ambiance at the hotel and it really contributed to a fantastic evening at the B24 restaurant. The staff treated me well and were enjoyable to dine alongside. The food was a lot better than expected and I would definitely eat everything again. Therefore, if you find yourself at the Fairmont hotel in Barcelona, don’t shy away from eating a meal at there B24 restaurant!
The Nitty Gritty
Taste - 7.4
Value - 8.1
Feng Shui - 9.2
Convenience - 7.2
Service - 8
8
Wow!
Restaurant
Av. Diagonal, 661-671, Barcelona, Spain 08028
Phone: + 34 933 644 040
My final stay in Barcelona, Spain was at the famous Majestic hotel. The hotel is located in a high-end shopping district of Barcelona. The hotel is very famous in the city!
Click HERE to check out The Majestic Hotel!
From the moment you walk in, you will observe a sense of classic luxury that embodies the entire property. The lobby is filled with marble and tons of staff to help you get to where you need to be. At check-in, I was told that I was upgraded to a penthouse suite on the ninth floor! What’s interesting about the ninth floor is that it’s only accessible with the proper security clearance. There is no button in the elevator for the ninth floor! Feeling like a VIP.
Once I entered the penthouse, I was delighted to see a bottle of champagne and chocolates on the coffee table. A nice touch Majestic! What is truly unique about this suite was the enormous terrace. The terrace is mind-blowing at all times of the day. It features a private hot tub and tons of seating for you and your entourage. I definitely had to enjoy my time there, especially in the hot tub.
In the early morning and night time, I got some great photos of this fantastic terrace. Even when I had room service, I ate it outside because it was so gorgeous. This brings me to the quality of the room service. The food was amazing! I ordered tapas and shrimp that knocked my socks off! All were legendary. Highly recommended. Also, don’t forget about their Restaurant Condal which you can read more about in this article.
The living room was very spacious and had an additional bathroom. There is also a large walk-in closet to store all of your belongings which I found as very convenient.
The master bedroom is very comfortable and has a view of the terrace and city. The main bathroom is very large and comprised of marble and glass. There is a large shower and a separate bathtub. It all looks phenomenal, seriously.
The gym has three treadmills and a few other pieces of cardio equipment along with weight machines and free weights. This was more than enough to get in a great workout in during my stay in Barcelona. The staff were always there to make sure the facilities stayed nice and clean.
I was briefed on the breakfast before I even had it. The staff assured me that the breakfast would be fantastic. The first thing I noticed about the breakfast buffet was the impeccable presentation. It definitely looked fantastic and the staff were very pleasant indeed.
The hotel really has a lot to offer and I can’t forget to mention the rooftop bar. This is also where you’ll find the pool. My suite was just one floor below this, so I basically had the same view throughout my stay. This bar is famous in Barcelona and I can clearly see why. Just like my terrace, it offers a fantastic view Barcelona and a great ambiance to enjoy.
I was so happy that I visited this hotel while in Barcelona. They really did a good job on all fronts but I must emphasize the quality of service, it was above and beyond other hotels in the city. The terrace was amazing and really set my suite apart from other rooms. I must say it was fantastic overall. With 100% confidence I can say that if you’re looking for a wonderful hotel while in Barcelona, you should definitely stay at the Majestic hotel!
Hotel
Passeig de Gràcia, 68, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Phone: +34 934 88 17 17
The first Fairmont property that I’ve ever visited was just a few weeks ago in Toronto. Now, I’m half way around the globe visiting my second Fairmont property in Barcelona! The Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos hotel has recently undergone a full renovation. Therefore, you can’t really compare the two properties because one is more traditional and the Barcelona property is contemporary.
Click HERE to check out the Fairmont!
You’ll notice the modern design right away in the lobby, lots of shiny objects and comfortable looking furniture. All very stunning and well put together.
They continue the contemporary design in the guestrooms. The interior design insures everything fits together very well. I love the bedside lights which hang down from the ceiling. These lights create a perfect ambiance in the evening.
The bathrooms have also been updated and include both a bathtub and a separate shower stall.
I must say, one of my favorite parts of staying at the Fairmont Barcelona would have to be the breakfast. First of all, the breakfast dining room is stunning. It offers a very fresh feeling and the service was great. I was greeted with a smile four days in a row! They offer a large buffet of Spanish and international dishes including Miso soup for our Japanese friends. I was really happy to see the amount of Spanish cuisine including the famous Spanish ham! I love this stuff.
As a guest at the Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos hotel, you’ll be able to enjoy a large gym and multiple pools. They have both indoor and outdoor pools for your pleasure. The gym is large but you’ll have to pay extra to use the steam room or sauna.
During my stay, I also made a point to sample the room service. The first item I ordered was Spanish ham with toast and tomato. Very tasty and great presentation!
I also had a chance to eat a dinner at their B24 restaurant which you’ll be able to read about in a separate article. I must say that I really enjoyed this modern hotel. The hotel is a little bit out of the center, but not far away from public transportation and the rest of Barcelona. It offers great views of the city, good service, a cohesive design with wonderful food. The hotel is great for all but especially business travelers. All in all, I would highly recommend the Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos hotel in Barcelona, Spain.
Fairmont Rey Juan Carlos Barcelona
Hotel
Avinguda Diagonal, 661-671, 08028 Barcelona
Phone: + 34 933 644 040
