El Bulli knocked off top spot !

Eli Bulli has long held the top spot.  However, in addition to announcements of a 2 year closure, the restaurant has been knocked off the top spot, whilst still retaining the title of Restaurant Magazine Chef of the Decade 


http://www.theworlds50best.com/awards/1-50-winners

http://blog.slh.com/

Small Luxury Hotels - This site has guided us to some great boutique hotels and often has specials for members http://blog.slh.com/

Travel Blog - Mr & Mrs Smith Boutique & Luxury Hotels

Great reviewers, have guided us to some great hotels over the years. Well worth a read. Thanks guys.

Travel Blog - Mr & Mrs Smith Boutique & Luxury Hotels

Dukes Hotel, London

Dukes is one of those hotels that feels like a home away from home.   Whilst being near to all that London has for offer you can return to the serenity and calm of your room whenever needed.  

The hotel is located St James Place, in in a leafy affluent area close to the famous Ritz Hotel and within walking distance to Buckingham Palace as well as being handy for Petticoat Lane Markets, High end shops and Picadilly Circus (but out of the way enough if you know what I mean).

The hotel is on the main tube line meaning you don't have to be out all day, you can pop in and out whilst still staying on the tourist track.  Its a quick 1 stop to Hyde Park and the second stop takes you to the famous Harrods Department Store in Knightsbridge.  Within walking distance for any traveller Buckingham Palace (an easy and breezy 8 min stroll). In fact, if you want to, you could do all the attractions on foot - if you up for a day of strolling.  If not, the nearest tube station is Green Park or you could jump on one of the sightseeing buses from the top of the street just near the Ritz.

After undergoing redecoration, the hotel is covered in relaxing muted tones and always has fresh flowers in common areas and rooms - these are changed regularly  we did see a very busy florist tending to the arrangements twice during one of our stays.

All rooms we have stayed in were elegant, cosy, clean, provided good quality linens, slippers, robes, toiletries and were a reasonable size.  On one stay we had the pleasure of staying in a suite - my goodness it was like a full sized apartment and we did not want to leave.

The hotel can lay claim to something we now see as a rarity - a high quality room service menu that was delivered fresh and tasty.  We ordered dinner twice during our stay enjoying the venison and beef fillet.

At first we had thought the price for break fast was a little steep.  However, we needed an early start so decided to order.  On receiving breakfast in our room at our specified time, we found it well worth the price (please see image - this is ONE breakfast).  There was a fantastic range of choices to be included and all we had t o do was fill out our card specifying our selection and required delivery time.

The hotel has a elegant drawing room and conservatory overlooking a lovely courtyard which is perfect for afternoon tea and the sophisticated bar prides itself on making the best Martini in town.

A health club is located within the hotel providing a wide range of services.  However, on each trip we neglected to use it due to being preoccupied with sight seeing, shopping and eating.

As far as hotels in London go, we would rank this with the best of them due to location and   comfort level and is most certainly our regular and reliable place to stay when in the capital.  However, the hotel may be a  little expensive for those travelling on a budget or wanting an extended stay in London with rates starting from £220 per night including breakfast.

Hipping Hall, Kirkby Lonsdale, Lake District UK

Hipping Hall is a 17th century house close to Kikby Lonsdale.  It is tastefully renovated and decorated on the inside with quirky rooms and an intimate feel.

Having checked out the website and read numerous positive review on trip advisor, we felt the need to see for ourselves, so we set to the beautiful Lakes District.

It was like the stresses of the working week melted away as we pulled into the driveway and saw this lovely hotel and its small but lovely grounds.

Rates include dinner, bed and breakfast as well as tea/coffee and home made biscuits on arrival - what a lovely start to what would be a relaxing weekend.

There are 9 room options including 3 cottages. For our stay we chose room 3.  Whilst one of the smaller rooms in the hotel we were happy with our choice as it was cosy, had fabulous views over the garden and had a great bathroom. 

All rooms are decorated in muted tones with Vi-spring beds, meaning a comfy nights sleep.  

The hotel provides good quality toiletries, bath robes and bottled water in room as well as free newspaper of your choice.

Please note - there is no mini bar, tea/coffee making facilities or fridge in the room, but the idea of the hotel is as a retreat where all of your needs can be taken care of.  You wouldn't want to be going out to eat as the food here is fantastic !

Meals were served in the impressive dining hall with a large wood fire place.  There is a decent range of options available on the al a carte menu - we would have loved to try them all but decided on the scallop entree and the lamb loin main.

Breakfast is included - a decent sized menu is provided and you can order whatever you like and have it cooked fresh - a welcome change from standing in those canteen like queues waiting for some stale baked beans that have has some egg and half a sausage dropped in them.

The smoothies were amazing, the full English was delicious and the quality of the produce for all meals was beautiful.

The hotel is great for relaxation and romantic getaways. With attentive staff, intimate feeling, relaxed atmosphere and great food.  AND, it is so nice to see owners who have kept such a lovely property in original condition and with many original fixtures BUT have been brave enough to make the necessary changes to allow modern amenities and clean, fresh contemporary feel to the rooms.  

Too often hotels in older style buildings feels that EVERYTHING including the carpet, crockery and linens should be from the same age - might attract the retirees, but in this now heavily competitive market it will not attract the experienced traveller.

Although the grounds were a liitle smaller than expected, we were very impressed during our visit and would definitely return.  Hipping Hall deserves all accolades received on trip advisor.

Hard Rock Hotel, San Diego

Loved, loved, loved this hotel =)

Located in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego, an area that has undergone regeneration, the Hard Rock Hotel was one of the best surprises during our trip.

We had been expecting a rowdy, less than perfectly clean hotel full off wanna be celebs. However, this was not the case.

The hotel was, and this is saying something, faultless. Yes, the rooms were great the dining options were great, the location was great and the staff were amazing - special thanks to the staff at Maryjanes where we spent most of our time due to yummy breakfasts and making the most of $3 tacos and beer - fantastic range and quality food. We had planned to eat at Nobu but we just couldn't leave Maryjanes, the staff were great the food was lovely.

Located across from the convention centre and the harbour, next to the PETCO stadium and with plenty of shopping nearby along with multiple dining and drinking options. 

Now to the rooms.

Due to high occupancy at the time of our stay we were in one of the lower graded rooms. However, we were very impressed, the room was large, modern and well equipped.

This hotel had the best stocked mini bar we have ever seen - mind you, you would expect that from the Hard Rock. The linen was soft, the bed was comfortable, the bathroom was very spacious and the room also housed a large flat screen tv and a decent sized working desk for anyone that would want to work whilst staying at this fabulous hotel???? We on the other hand, spent our time seeing the sights during the day, with Sea World and San Diego Zoo within easy reach, and enjoying the hotel and it's facilities at night.

We were pleasantly surprised with the free wifi. Although you dont want to spend your holiday looking at a computer, it is great to have the service available to keep up with e-mails, check your bank or what there is to do in the area without having to pay inflated charges or trek the streets for an internet cafe.

Maryjane's coffee shop was well frequented during our stay, enjoying breakfasts, lunch and dinner - all went down well. The happy hour runs 5-7 when you can treat yourself to $3 tacos, $3 beers and $5 cocktails - and these specials were taken advantage of during our stay. The tacos are well worth a try.

Although there were no events scheduled during our stay, it was evident that this hotel knows how to party. It is well set up to house numerous events with the impressive 'Woodstock' area, the 9,000 square foot event space near the roof top bar.

We cannot fault the staff they are so helpful and friendly and in a nice homely way, not a cheesy fake way.

If you like modern hotels with good amenities and friendly staff we recommend hard Rock San Diego.

Tip: valet parking is available at the hotel, but the multi-storey car park across the road is a cheaper and still convenient option.