Articles in Checking In
Die Swaene, Bruges, Belgium Review
Die Swaene is the quintessential small European luxury hotel and fits perfectly into the narrow cobblestone streets and centuries-old buildings that surround it.
WHERE IS IT?
Located in the city center, this small romantic hotel overlooks the picturesque tree-lined Groenerei canal. It’s in the heart of Bruges (Brugge in Flemish, Brügge in German) and minutes away from museums and other sites. The hotel has 30 guest rooms, all individually decorated. The lounge …
Vila Bled, Slovenia Review
Vila Bled, Josip Broz Tito’s former official summer residence and guest house, is on the shore of Lake Bled in the Slovenian Alps. It became a hotel in 1984.
WHERE IS IT?
Vila Bled is 55 km from Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, and 360 km and a little over three hours from Munich, the closest major international gateway airport.
WHAT’S IT LIKE?
The hotel’s décor includes lots of local wood and classic mid-twentieth century furnishings. …
The Charles Hotel, Munich, Germany – Hotel Review
The Charles Hotel is different. Unlike the typical luxury hotels of Europe, it is new construction (opened in 2007). Its cool white stone exterior nonetheless blends in with its surroundings, such as the 19th-century Justizpalast and the almost secret Alter Botanischer Garten (Old Botanical Garden).
This neo-classical hotel was built as a monument to Italian-born Charles Forte, who became one of England’s greatest hoteliers. I arrived at the Charles after a delay-laden …
W New York
New York City has hotel rooms for every taste and budget and, when it comes to boutique hotels, the city is the epicenter. The Starwood Hotels W chain is acknowledged as the brand that once epitomized the boutique hotel and the grand-daddy of that chain is the W New York. My decision to stay there was based purely on nostalgia: it had been my home away from home …
Marriott London Marble Arch, London, U.K.
As my driver pulled up to the Marriott London Marble Arch, I realized how centrally located it actually was. I found myself within walking distance to Oxford Street, Hyde Park, and the theaters in London’s West End.
THE ROOM
My room was comfortable, airy, and spacious. The bed was very comfortable and sported Marriott’s trademark bedding with excellent quality linens. I was pleasantly pleased to find that an alarm clock …
Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens, Greece Review
By Greek standards (the Parthenon and other main buildings on the Acropolis were built by Pericles in the fifth century B.C.E.), the Grande Bretagne is a relatively newcomer. Built in the 1840s, its unique architecture makes it a local landmark. The hotel’s central location is just about perfect. It’s opposite the Parliament Building, overlooks Syntagma (Constitution) Square, and is within walking distance of shopping areas, restaurants, museums, and the business …
Four Seasons Westlake Village
Driving up to the Four Seasons Westlake Village after being on the road for six hours, I thought I had made a wrong turn. The signs did say “Four Seasons” but the severe institutional exterior made me think I was at an office park or hospital, not at a luxury hotel.
Once inside, however, I found the light and airy reception area a welcome respite from the trip. Indeed, I …
