HOTEL COLON
Av. Catedral 7
www.colonhotelbarcelona.com/
info@hotelcolon.es
Looking out the window and seeing the Barcelona Cathedral is a unique privilege. There are certain pleasures that are only available to those that stay at the Hotel Colón. For example, waking up early in the morning, crossing over to the window, pulling aside the curtains, and seeing the image of the Barcelona Cathedral bathed in the sun’s first rays. It’s an image that will fill you with energy throughout the whole day! The majority of the 141 rooms in the hotel offer this privilege, in addition to amenities such as air-conditioning, telephone, LCD television with international channels, high-speed Internet, safety deposit box, a well-stocked mini-bar, and the finishing touches of a 4 star hotel. If you are traveling for leisure, after a nice shower and a full breakfast, you’ll find it convenient to have the main tourist attractions within walking distance.
The present building dates back to 1951, though it has been constantly renovated since then, always conserving its original style. It surely won’t surprise you that, during its 90 plus years of history, the hotel has housed big names such as Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Jean Paul Sartre, Sofía Loren, Jane Fonda, Francis Ford Coppola, Santiago Calatrava, and Arata Isozaki.
To begin with, you’ll see the impressive silhouette of the Barcelona Cathedral, right in front of the hotel, which marks the entrance of the Gothic Quarter. Passing through the old Roman walls, you find yourself within this unique space, a network of charming streets and small squares, and an infinite number of medieval buildings.
Five minutes from the hotel, following the busy shopping street of Portal de l’Àngel, you arrive at the Plaza de Catalunya, the nerve centre of the city. If you’re a shopaholic, from there you can walk up the Paseo de Gracia, where the best fashion labels in the world exhibit their tantalizing shop windows. And remember, after all of that, the 4 star Hotel Colón awaits you, where you can relax and recharge your batteries.
BEST WESTERN Hotel Le Donjon
Chemin des Anglais
Ph: 011-33 4 68 11 23 00;www.hotel-donjon.com
The hotel is located right in the heart of the medieval Citadel and close to the Canal du Midi, both listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, listed as well with the Pays Cathare Castles and Abbeys. The three medieval houses that make up the hotel (the Donjon, the Remparts and the Comte Roger) are located next to the Count’s Castle (le Château Comtal), in the heart of Carcassonne’s Citadel. They combine the charm of ancient stones, a cosy atmosphere and 21st century comfort with the warm welcome of our team. When it was created in the ‘60s, the BEST WESTERN hotel Le Donjon started out with 18 guestrooms situated in the area called Petit Donjon. In the ‘80s, Christine Pujol took over the management at began extensive works to improve the hotel. In 1983, she joined the group Best Western to allow this gem of a hotel to be appreciated at an international level.
In 1999, Christine Pujol took over an old 2-star hotel, the Remparts, and had its guestrooms entirely renovated to give it a 3-star standing. In the early 2000s, she created six new guestrooms (four of which are Suites) in an old adjoining building. In 2003, she continued to develop the hotel by acquiring a private house opposite the entrance to the Maison du Donjon, thereby creating five additional rooms and an exceptional vinotheque. Given its location ensconced within the citadel walls, the BEST WESTERN Hotel Le Donjon is an integral part of the citadel’s heritage. Exploring the hotel, you will find different historic elements such as an 18th century staircase….As its personality combines tradition and "stylish trend", modern comfort and medieval inspiration, the hotel offers you more than a friendly and professional welcome – it offers you an allegory of a wonderful time, in all senses of the expression.
Mercure Avignon Centre Palais des Papes Hotel
1 Rue Jean Vilar, Avignon, Ph: +33 4 90 80 93 00
Four-star hotel in the Accor chain. Located in the center of town and with direct access to Place de l'Horloge, the Mercure Avignon Centre Palais des Papes hotel is in an exclusive location at the foot of the Palais des Papes, 2 minutes from the bridge and close to the train station. MYou will discover the charms of Avignon easily from this centrally-located hotel. This hotel offers comfortable rooms in a warm and relaxing atmosphere.
Enjoy the location of the Mercure Avignon Centre Palais des Papes located by the Clock'square in the city center. Best situation to discover the Popes'Palace, to dance on the Pont d'Avignon and to enjoy shows all year through at the Avignon Theater (opposite the hotel). Stroll arround the city easily, you are in the heart of Provence.
You'll love the comfortable rooms featuring high-quality bedding and tea and coffee making facilities. Our bathrooms are equipped with showers or bathtubs. WIFI access is free of charge. In Place de l'Horloge, opposite Opéra Théâtre d'Avignon At the foot of the Palais des Papes, a 5-min walk from the famous Pont d'Avignon!
Hotel Manager: "The entire Mercure Avignon Centre Palais des Papes hotel team welcomes you to the heart of the medieval city of Avignon. We will be delighted to provide you with advice on the best places to visit on your excursions in our beautiful city and Provence!
typical review: Perfectly situated in the centre of Avignon » We stayed at the hotel for three nights arriving on a Sunday evening and leaving on a Wednesday lunchtime. We found that the hotel is situated in a perfect position for visiting Avignon with the majority of the sites within easy walking distance. The bed was extremely comfortable and the room itself was clean and functional with a very large wet room style bathroom.
The staff at the hotel were very friendly and offered assistance whenever it was requested and the buffet breakfast was good. Avignon is a town best suited to exploring on foot - alleyways lead you into delightful squares and it in these little backstreets and squares that you will find the better restaurants and bars.
If or is it when we return to Avignon we would definitely consider staying at the hotel again - for its location and also its friendly staff.
Hotel Beau Rivage
22 rue St. Francois de Paulewww.nicebeaurivage.com
Ph: 011-33 4 92 47 82 82
info@nicebeaurivage.com
The hotel Beau Rivage, built in 1860, was one of the first Niçois hotels located in continuation of the famous Promenade des Anglais on the sea shore. Artists and intellectuals of that time such as Matisse, Fitzgerald, Nietzsche or Theckhov were fond of this hotel and were regular clients. At the beginning of the 21st century, the famous French architect Jean-Michel WIlmotte completed a full scale renovation of the Hotel Beau Rivage. “Local feel and modernity” were the key words of his project: 19th century’s façade, innovating architecture, contemporary design and styled decoration in a world of beige stone, wood, pebbles and linen. An atmosphere of pure design with a touch of Nice.
Ideally located near the Old Town, the beach and the modern downtown, everything is within easy walking distance. In ten minutes you can be strolling in the narrow lanes of Old Nice, or in the other direction, shopping along on the main boulevard of the modern downtown.
The French architect Jean Michel Wilmotte has created a Comfort and technology define the 118 rooms and suites of the hotel Beau Rivage : wodden shutters, duvets, Wifi, flat TV screens. Pebbles, emblem of the Hotel Beau Rivage, can be found under all aspects all over the hotel : in the bathrooms with the pebbled floor in the sofas with the livingstone pebble cushions created by Stéphanie Marin in the lights with the pebble shaped lamps signed Céline Wright or in the lobby with the tables made especially for the hotel by the local artist Bernard Reyboz.
Hotel Laurin - Portofino & Cinque Terre
3 Lungomare Marconiwww.laurinhotel.it
Ph: 011-39 0185-289971
info@laurinhotel.it
Located in the heart of Santa Margherita Ligure, Hotel Laurin provies easy access to the nearby villages of Portofino and Cinque Terre. You will also discover that Santa Marrgherita is a beautiful town well worth visiting. The hotel is across the street from a picturesque marina and within walking distance of Santa Margherita Ligure Castle. Also nearby are Villa Durazzo and Castello di Punta Pagana. Hotel services include: Air conditioning// Laundry service // Restaurant // Bar // Hairdryer // Minibar // Solarium // Outdoor pool // Fitness centre // Turkish bath // Satellite TV in every room // Lift // Free Internet Wi-Fi connection //
Trip Advisor comments: We've been visiting SML for over 20 years and have stayed at the Laurin on all but one occasion. It's perfectly located, fabulous views from the rooms and the pool, the rooms are bright and clean, the staff are excellent, what more could you ask! It was a second time we stayed in this hotel. Location is perfect, service is excellent. ... Our room had a seaview which was lovely but we upgraded to a seaview with large balcony which was even better. Room was good and breakfast very good. Reception staff were very helpful. Location very good - right in the centre of Santa Margherita and amazingly very little noise in the night due to the quality of the window glass, shutters and blinds blocking any traffic sound out. ... This is a great hotel, with service minded staff, Superb location, room's with view Over the harbour. Good restaurants nearby and just 10min with boat to Portofino. Would definitely stay here again When we visit the area. ... The most wonderful thing I guess is if you stay at a hotel and you feel the good vibe among the staff, the good spirit. When you see the staff is happy and comfortable then you know you have chosen a good hotel. I would recommend this place to all my friends and family. I call St marg.di liguria the closest place to heaven, I have lost my heart there... Superb location, nice rooms with balcony's overlooking the harbour and sea. Staff could not have been more helpful front desk and bar man. Great location near bars and restaurants, ferry to Portafino also nearby. ... We have been coming to this hotel for over 20 years and have yet to be disappointed. It is convenient with excellent access to all local sites. Everyone there has been always extremely helpful. It has always been the highlight of our Italy trips. ...
Albergo Santa Chiara
Via Santa Chiara, 21
Tel. +39.06.6872979
www.albergosantachiara.com
This central district is mostly for pedestrians, with ancient, narrow cobbled lanes lined with shops, restaurants and cafes. It is located right on the Piazza della Minerva, a quiet and peaceful oasis in the midst of a very lively city.
Piazza Navona is just three short blocks away, which then leads into another one of Rome’s wonderful, quaint quarters of narrow pedestrian lanes winding along, leading you to explore further into the heart of Rome.
Another few blocks and you arrive at Campo dei Fiori, or in the other direction, the hotel is a few minutes walk from Via del Corso, the main shopping street. Trevi Fountain is a lovely 10-minute walk and the Spanish Steps are easily reached in 15 minutes on foot.
The History of the Albergo Santa Chiara begins in 1939. At first it was a "wine-shop" then changed into a small inn, enlarged in the following years, the 10 rooms of the first days have become now 96, distributed in 3 adjoining buildings. In one of them is located the Saint Catherine from Siena's Chapel. The old lobby, on the contrary, has become a theatre.
You can't miss a short chat at one of the tables of our open-air bar, quiet and private, that overlooks the Minerva Square. The most affectionate guests love the wide and classic-styled rooms, younger folks prefers the modern and high-tech ones. The hotel service is impeccable, the rooms are very clean and the beds are extremely comfortable. You will find this is a friendly, relaxed hotel that will make you feel right at home.
The hotel has been in the same family ownership for nearly a century. The ground floor hall has seen the proclamation of the Popular Party by Don Sturzo, the rooms have counted the steps of Nobel prizes such as Amartya Sen, Franco Modigliani and clergy men later be became Popes, politicians then elected Republican President, philosophers, artists, writers from Fogazzaro to Sartre to Banana Yoshimoto.