Hamburg - the Hotel Atlantic has wonderful friendly staff, is brilliantly run, and has the best, cosiest bar and lobby to sit and relax, eat delicious snacks, and enjoy the open fire around Christmas. My favourite hotel. Any recommendations for Vienna would be great.
Do delete if inappropriate. I run a couple of holiday cottages in the Highlands of Scotland and would love some ideas of special touches that make the stay more wonderful. Permanent things or additions to the welcome pack. We’re 3* so not fancy, but would love to create the best possible stay for our guests.. Thanks in advance.
Do delete if inappropriate. I run a couple of holiday cottages in the Highlands of Scotland and would love some ideas of special touches that make the stay more wonderful. Either permanent things or additions to the welcome pack. We’re 3* so not fancy, but would love to build on our guest experience. Thanks in advance.
Somewhat exotic… El Nido resort in Pangulasian island in Palawan, Philippines. Extraordinary place. Not the easiest to get to (It was actually part of a work trip) and only stayed a couple of days sadly, but gorgeous. I’ve been dreaming of going back ever since…
In India (also a work trip)
Jaipur - Rambagh Palace, it feels like you’ve gone back in time. Not particularly charming because it’s huge - think palace hotel - but with all the pageantry of a maharajah’s palace.
Agra - Oberoi Amarvilas, jaw dropping place - with views of the Taj Mahal (in the distance) from your bedroom window. Swoon.
Closer to home…
If you have little kids or grandkids, Moonfleet or Ickworth, part of the “luxury family hotels” - mine loved both of these (as did we) for a long weekend when they were around 5-10yrs old.
On my list for when I win the lottery, Amangani hotel in Jackson hole and Amangiri in Utah…and most Aman hotels, actually…many have the most incredible locations (check out Bhutan!!!)…
I'm so sorry not to be replying underneath each one of these AMAZING recommendations - am in a tight deadline situation. I've read them and bookmarked them all. They are just fantastic. I knew this would work!
Hotel recommendations - This took quite a bit of thought and evoked some nice memories! Some hotels I struggled to remember they were so long ago.
I’ll start close to home, these are all still there - I checked!
Wales - St David’s, smallest city, probably about the furthest you can drive before reaching the Irish Sea, a hotel called Twr y Felin Hotel. Stylish, smells of wood and leather, superb restaurant and interesting modern art, close to the Wales coastal path, rooms have Nespresso and many with sea view
France, Ile de Re. Hotel La Galiote en Re, in the village of La Flotte. Very charming, quite simple, really a B&B, - but what breakfasts! Yoghurts, fresh fruit compote and the smell of the croissants baking wafting up to the shuttered room is a gorgeous memory. Walkable to the little town with lovely restaurants and bicycle hire for travelling around the island and the picturesque beaches. Must go back here!
Canada, Vancouver Island - Long Beach Lodge Resort, Tofino. Superb sunset views from your room over looking the pacific beach. Fabulous common room/dining room overlooking the same. Cosy in winter too with lots of fireplaces and the size of the driftwood on the beach has to be seen to be believed. Loved the Adirondack chairs positioned around the fire pits beachside.
Malaysia, Langkawi, Tanjung Rhu Resort. Superbly service and position on a glorious beach. Very sustainable and lots of nature trips available to local mangroves. It can rain a lot, but very pretty library available for such occasions. I remember how kind they were to our 15 year old son- they found out he was a football fan and always engaged him in conversation at dinner and invited him to play real international beach 5-aside. They have a ‘pet’ monitor lizard called Jack residing in one of the hotels natural pools.
This is a joy to read! Stayed here a long old time ago now but this Airbnb remains in my dreams as does Joshua Tree. The most magical place. https://www.airbnb.com/l/K930S0ig The hotel that can’t be beaten for me is Borgo Santo Pietro in Tuscany - I burst into tears on arrival it was THAT beautiful! And the breakfast spread. Well.
This was an unforgettable experience, one I wholeheartedly recommend (I actually don't want to say 'expensive' because its such a special experience, but it's not low cost). It's an Inn, named Greyfield, on Cumberland Island off the coast of Georgia in the US. It was built by and is still owned by the Carnegie family, and although there is an element of grandeur, it is such a warm and comfortable place. Surrounded by incredible oak trees, draped in spanish moss, wild horses populate the island, as well as other wildlife, birds etc, on a walk I saw an armadillo! It is the only commercial venture on the island, no shops, no restaurants, no wifi, poor phone reception. The food is delicious, farm to table style. I want to write more about this place, but fear I won't do it justice.
I'm actually looking for recommendations for Mexico, planning a honeymoon there later this year and was desperately searching through this list hoping a kind soul had been there!
I love this idea so much, so if any of you planning a trip to the beautiful west of Ireland you have to check out the superb Renvyle House Hotel which is on the Atlantic coast....gorgeous walks with amazing sunsets. The food is incredible, its homely and cosy and not at all pretentious plus they allow dogs!! Truly wonderful place...please don't tell too many!! ;)
I’ve thought of another - the Mill End Hotel which is peaceful as well as being dog and baby friendly. It’s simple, not expensive and they run deals throughout the year. Close to lots of interesting places but another place where it is perfectly acceptable to chill out in the lounge, reading.
The Ceilidh Place in Ullapool, Scottish Highlands is gorgeous, with a beautiful guest lounge with lots of different areas to write, read, gather or stare or the mountains and sea. Interesting art about the place. Great ambience in the coffee shop/restaurant and has its own brilliantly stocked bookshop and roaring fire in the cold months. In the rooms instead of TV there is a small book collection each curated by a different writer via the Ullapool Book Festival.
In Carmel-By-The-Sea the La Playa Hotel is such a gem. It is nestled among the beautiful homes and a very short walk to the restaurants and shops. It’s a former mansion of the Ghirardelli family and underwent an extensive renovation in 2023. The place is a beautifully restored example of Spanish style architecture. The gardens are stunning! The beach is a very short walk as well.
Love this thread! My two - one English and unfussy, one French and comforting:
1. The Old Storehouse, Llanfrynach - delightful old house in the Brecons, books everywhere, cobwebs, cast-iron range, charming owner, hens and geese pecking round your legs at breakfast.
2. Cottage Bise, Lake Annecy - small, plush family-run hotel in the French Alps, and as comfortable as that sounds. Chic pool, excellent restaurant, lake and mountains beyond. Direct train from Paris.
This is entirely my kind of list - so much good stuff. I recently found The Whittling house in Northumberland, which although I haven't been to myself, looks really charming, being as it is a restaurant with rooms, all 10 of which are comfortable looking and cosy. It's moments from Alnmouth beach and Scotts deli, who cook Ottolenhgi dishes for takeaway.
Also, on a hunt around Irelands west coast, I found Roundstone Quay Cottage, right on the harbour, and somewhere I can quite imagine waking up on my own before doing some writing and having a walk along the golden sands of Dogs Bay.
And also a little shout of to Holm Somerset, which is another restaurant with rooms. The rooms have all been done beautifully and it's a really restful place to stay, as I often have on my drive between London and the further west country. Am making notes from all the other suggestions!
Hamburg - the Hotel Atlantic has wonderful friendly staff, is brilliantly run, and has the best, cosiest bar and lobby to sit and relax, eat delicious snacks, and enjoy the open fire around Christmas. My favourite hotel. Any recommendations for Vienna would be great.
Do delete if inappropriate. I run a couple of holiday cottages in the Highlands of Scotland and would love some ideas of special touches that make the stay more wonderful. Permanent things or additions to the welcome pack. We’re 3* so not fancy, but would love to create the best possible stay for our guests.. Thanks in advance.
www.visitscourie.co.uk
Do delete if inappropriate. I run a couple of holiday cottages in the Highlands of Scotland and would love some ideas of special touches that make the stay more wonderful. Either permanent things or additions to the welcome pack. We’re 3* so not fancy, but would love to build on our guest experience. Thanks in advance.
www.visitscourie.co.uk
Somewhat exotic… El Nido resort in Pangulasian island in Palawan, Philippines. Extraordinary place. Not the easiest to get to (It was actually part of a work trip) and only stayed a couple of days sadly, but gorgeous. I’ve been dreaming of going back ever since…
In India (also a work trip)
Jaipur - Rambagh Palace, it feels like you’ve gone back in time. Not particularly charming because it’s huge - think palace hotel - but with all the pageantry of a maharajah’s palace.
Agra - Oberoi Amarvilas, jaw dropping place - with views of the Taj Mahal (in the distance) from your bedroom window. Swoon.
Closer to home…
If you have little kids or grandkids, Moonfleet or Ickworth, part of the “luxury family hotels” - mine loved both of these (as did we) for a long weekend when they were around 5-10yrs old.
On my list for when I win the lottery, Amangani hotel in Jackson hole and Amangiri in Utah…and most Aman hotels, actually…many have the most incredible locations (check out Bhutan!!!)…
I'm so sorry not to be replying underneath each one of these AMAZING recommendations - am in a tight deadline situation. I've read them and bookmarked them all. They are just fantastic. I knew this would work!
Hotel recommendations - This took quite a bit of thought and evoked some nice memories! Some hotels I struggled to remember they were so long ago.
I’ll start close to home, these are all still there - I checked!
Wales - St David’s, smallest city, probably about the furthest you can drive before reaching the Irish Sea, a hotel called Twr y Felin Hotel. Stylish, smells of wood and leather, superb restaurant and interesting modern art, close to the Wales coastal path, rooms have Nespresso and many with sea view
France, Ile de Re. Hotel La Galiote en Re, in the village of La Flotte. Very charming, quite simple, really a B&B, - but what breakfasts! Yoghurts, fresh fruit compote and the smell of the croissants baking wafting up to the shuttered room is a gorgeous memory. Walkable to the little town with lovely restaurants and bicycle hire for travelling around the island and the picturesque beaches. Must go back here!
Canada, Vancouver Island - Long Beach Lodge Resort, Tofino. Superb sunset views from your room over looking the pacific beach. Fabulous common room/dining room overlooking the same. Cosy in winter too with lots of fireplaces and the size of the driftwood on the beach has to be seen to be believed. Loved the Adirondack chairs positioned around the fire pits beachside.
Malaysia, Langkawi, Tanjung Rhu Resort. Superbly service and position on a glorious beach. Very sustainable and lots of nature trips available to local mangroves. It can rain a lot, but very pretty library available for such occasions. I remember how kind they were to our 15 year old son- they found out he was a football fan and always engaged him in conversation at dinner and invited him to play real international beach 5-aside. They have a ‘pet’ monitor lizard called Jack residing in one of the hotels natural pools.
That’s all for now 😎
This is a joy to read! Stayed here a long old time ago now but this Airbnb remains in my dreams as does Joshua Tree. The most magical place. https://www.airbnb.com/l/K930S0ig The hotel that can’t be beaten for me is Borgo Santo Pietro in Tuscany - I burst into tears on arrival it was THAT beautiful! And the breakfast spread. Well.
This was an unforgettable experience, one I wholeheartedly recommend (I actually don't want to say 'expensive' because its such a special experience, but it's not low cost). It's an Inn, named Greyfield, on Cumberland Island off the coast of Georgia in the US. It was built by and is still owned by the Carnegie family, and although there is an element of grandeur, it is such a warm and comfortable place. Surrounded by incredible oak trees, draped in spanish moss, wild horses populate the island, as well as other wildlife, birds etc, on a walk I saw an armadillo! It is the only commercial venture on the island, no shops, no restaurants, no wifi, poor phone reception. The food is delicious, farm to table style. I want to write more about this place, but fear I won't do it justice.
https://greyfieldinn.com
I'm actually looking for recommendations for Mexico, planning a honeymoon there later this year and was desperately searching through this list hoping a kind soul had been there!
We went to Merida on our honeymoon and stayed here at a private rental called Casa Lola it was beyond dreamy https://www.casalolamerida.com
Thank you very much! Quietly obsessed with your substack by the way, you wonderful human beings!
Phwoar thanks Ellie! All puffed up at my desk now x Claire
I'm going to be there in two weeks - I will report back!
Oh that's so very kind, would love to hear!
I love this idea so much, so if any of you planning a trip to the beautiful west of Ireland you have to check out the superb Renvyle House Hotel which is on the Atlantic coast....gorgeous walks with amazing sunsets. The food is incredible, its homely and cosy and not at all pretentious plus they allow dogs!! Truly wonderful place...please don't tell too many!! ;)
https://www.renvyle.com/en/
I’ve thought of another - the Mill End Hotel which is peaceful as well as being dog and baby friendly. It’s simple, not expensive and they run deals throughout the year. Close to lots of interesting places but another place where it is perfectly acceptable to chill out in the lounge, reading.
The Ceilidh Place in Ullapool, Scottish Highlands is gorgeous, with a beautiful guest lounge with lots of different areas to write, read, gather or stare or the mountains and sea. Interesting art about the place. Great ambience in the coffee shop/restaurant and has its own brilliantly stocked bookshop and roaring fire in the cold months. In the rooms instead of TV there is a small book collection each curated by a different writer via the Ullapool Book Festival.
https://www.theceilidhplace.com/
In Carmel-By-The-Sea the La Playa Hotel is such a gem. It is nestled among the beautiful homes and a very short walk to the restaurants and shops. It’s a former mansion of the Ghirardelli family and underwent an extensive renovation in 2023. The place is a beautifully restored example of Spanish style architecture. The gardens are stunning! The beach is a very short walk as well.
What an incredible resource!! Xoxo
Love this thread! My two - one English and unfussy, one French and comforting:
1. The Old Storehouse, Llanfrynach - delightful old house in the Brecons, books everywhere, cobwebs, cast-iron range, charming owner, hens and geese pecking round your legs at breakfast.
2. Cottage Bise, Lake Annecy - small, plush family-run hotel in the French Alps, and as comfortable as that sounds. Chic pool, excellent restaurant, lake and mountains beyond. Direct train from Paris.
This is entirely my kind of list - so much good stuff. I recently found The Whittling house in Northumberland, which although I haven't been to myself, looks really charming, being as it is a restaurant with rooms, all 10 of which are comfortable looking and cosy. It's moments from Alnmouth beach and Scotts deli, who cook Ottolenhgi dishes for takeaway.
Also, on a hunt around Irelands west coast, I found Roundstone Quay Cottage, right on the harbour, and somewhere I can quite imagine waking up on my own before doing some writing and having a walk along the golden sands of Dogs Bay.
And also a little shout of to Holm Somerset, which is another restaurant with rooms. The rooms have all been done beautifully and it's a really restful place to stay, as I often have on my drive between London and the further west country. Am making notes from all the other suggestions!