This month, six hotels in continental Europe have joined Grand Heritage Hotels International…
This month, six hotels in continental Europe have joined Grand Heritage Hotels International (GHI) – this brings the total number of mainland Europe hotels in the current portfolio to 35 (with over 130 members worldwide). These are:
- Duodo Palace Hotel, Venice, Italy (38 rooms): five minutes` walk from St Mark`s Square, this impressive, 15th century palace has been carefully restored and renovated to offer a fine combination of superb location, history and modern comforts. With its own waterway and landing stage, gondolas glide by in full view of guests. Marble-clad bathrooms and views over the Venetian rooftops.
- Relais Vignale, Radda in Chianti, Italy (40 rooms): this typically Tuscan country hotel is located in the enchanting, medieval village of Radda in the stunningly beautiful Chianti hills, midway between Florence and Siena. Facilities include a heated swimming pool, lavender and rosemary-scented terraces, a heated swimming pool, alfresco dining in the summer and a meeting room (15-30 people).
- Residence Sextantio, Santo Stefano Di Sessanio, Italy ((6 rooms): 2004 has seen the opening of the first bedrooms here, offering bed and breakfast terms – the restaurant and wine bar to follow; and in 2005 a wellness centre. Located in the heart of one of Italy`s greatest nature reserves, the Gran Sasso National Park, the Residence is part of a project to restore this medieval village to its original state.
- Hostellerie Les Chevreuils, Lausanne, Switzerland (30 rooms): originally a farmhouse and just eight kilometres from the centre of Lausanne, the hotels stands in its own beautiful gardens. The gourmet restaurant is renowned for its cuisine, featuring local and international specialities. Suitable for either business or leisure visitors, with the resorts of Zermatt and Gstaad nearby.
- Monte do Casal, The Algarve, Portugal, (13 rooms): a former 18th century country house situated a 20 minute drive from Faro airport, this hotel is billed as The Algarve`s most picturesque Hotel. The hotel, its` large swimming pool and many sun terraces is set in 8 acres of land and faces south with panoramic views of the countryside down to the sea. The Old Coach House Restaurant at the hotel serves an excellent Mediterranean cuisine. Alfresco dining available in Summer.
- The Haagsche Suites, The Hague, The Netherlands (3 suites): set in one of the many imposing 19th century mansions in this part of The Hague, The Haagsche suites really are exceptional. Only 3 idyllic suites but designed to a level almost unknown in The Netherlands. The overall impression is of exceptional space but with intimacy and gracious comfort. Additional venues and locations in GHI`s current mainland Europe portfolio include:
- Hostellerie de la Vendee, Geneva, Switzerland (34 rooms): a modern hotel, three kilometres from the centre of Geneva, very conveniently located for both the airport and the heart of the city. The hotel offers a choice of dining – a highly-acclaimed gourmet restaurant, part of which is set in a garden atmosphere; or the cosy `America`s Cup` Bistro with its Mediterranean influence.
- Bastide Saint Mathieu, Grasse, France (5 rooms and suites): more a charming, country home, this is a deluxe,
privately-owned hotel in the countryside of the French Riviera, just 20 minutes from Cannes and 30 minutes` from Nice International Airport. Completely renovated, this authentic stone mansion features individually-decorated, spacious rooms with log fires and suberb amenities. Ultimate privacy in a stylish environment, ideal for exclusive house use.
- Hotel Royal Picardie, Albert, France (24 rooms): situated in the heart of the Somme district, the hotel is ideally located for visiting the memorials and the battlefields of the First World War, as well as the old towns of Amiens and Arras.
Its imposing turreted exterior, arched windows and stone facings are reminiscent of a fortress, with spacious interiors, en-suite bathrooms and an outdoor tennis court.
- Hostellerie de la Vendee, Geneva, Switzerland (34 rooms): a modern hotel, three kilometres from the centre of Geneva, very conveniently located for both the airport and the heart of the city. The hotel offers a choice of dining – a highly-acclaimed gourmet restaurant, part of which is set in a garden atmosphere; or the cosy `America`s Cup` Bistro with its Mediterranean influence.
Grand Heritage Hotels continues to benefit from the consolidation of an association with the German-based hotel collection, Romantik Hotels & Restaurants. Currently boasting 185 hotels in 12 European countries, the hotels in the Romantik group are predominantly based in German-speaking Europe. This alliance gives both GHI and Romantik further opportunities to provide their guests and corporate clients with a greater choice of destinations, services and products. The first Romantik hotel to join Grand Heritage Hotels is the Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof, Grindelwald, Switzerland.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
