Luxury Hotels Group Blog » Travel Guide

Enjoy the best of the Basque Country from the Bilbao Hotel Carlton

Archie Domville — Mon, 05 Sep 2016 12:06:51 +0000

Nestled on Spain's northern coast, Bilbao lies at the heart of the Basque Country, a fascinating region that offers plenty to see and do. The largest city in the area, Bilbao attracts visitors seeking business, pleasure and culture alike. Its standout attraction is undoubtedly the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, which is worth a visit solely for its stunning architecture, let alone the vast collection of art and cultural works housed inside. Other sights to see include the impressive 14th century Catedral de Bilbao and the Euskalduna Palace, a fantastic feat of modern architecture that pays homage to the city's industrial heritage.Many visitors to Bilbao enjoy simply strolling around the city's old town and its atmospheric narrow streets, stopping off to enjoy the odd Basque delicacy such as Marmitako fish stew.Bilbao is also a popular business destination, with top-class facilities available at the Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall and the Bilbao Exhibition Centre.The wider Basque Country is within easy reach of the city, including the beautiful beaches of the Bay of Biscay, which provide a perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.When visiting Bilbao it's important to remember that while many people speak Spanish, Basque is the official language of the region and locals will appreciate if you make the effort to learn a few phrases.Where should you stay in Bilbao? The Hotel Carlton is the ideal base for your trip. The most emblematic and luxurious in the city, this five-star hotel allows you to enjoy the city in the height of comfort.Enjoy a drink or snack at the hotel's spectacular Salón La Cristalera, sample the finest Basque cuisine at the Restaurante Carlton and indulge in tapas and cocktails at the Bar El Grill. The hotel also houses a gym and business centre should you require them.Find out more and book your room at the Hotel Carlton here.

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5 Must Do Things in London this Summer

Archie Domville — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 10:47:14 +0000

The summer is here, the sun is shining and London has truly come alive. Visitors to the capital will find a treasure trove of attractions and events to keep them entertained and occupied during the warmer months.1. The city welcomes a highly-anticipated theatre event this summer, as the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child show opens its doors. Tickets for the original run sold out in seconds when they went on sale last year, but with the show now extended through the summer and beyond, fans will have the chance to catch the story of a now middle-aged Harry as his son Albus starts his studies at Hogwarts. 2. After taking in a show, visitors to London may want to grab a bite to eat at the capital’s most exciting new restaurant, Bao. The Taiwanese eatery opened its second London site this summer and it really is an absolute treat. 3. Those with a head for heights will want to check out an attraction in the capital which is one part modern art, one part thrill seeker’s dream. The ArcelorMittal Orbit is a stunning-looking slide that has been erected at the Olympic Park. Designed by Belgian artist Carsten Höller, the sculpture stands 114.5 metres tall and features a 178 metre slide intertwined around its distinctive tower. Unsurprisingly, with figures like those, it is the world’s tallest and longest slide. 4. Coming back down to ground level, art lovers will want to pay a trip to the newly-opened Tate Modern. The gallery’s Switch House extension opened its doors in June, which means it now boasts 60 per cent more space for exhibitions. 5. Always a must-see event, the Notting Hill Carnival returns in all of its glory this August. Held over the bank holiday weekend, Europe’s largest street festival brings a dazzling array of colours, sights, sounds and smells. From processions and live music to dancers and street food, Notting Hill really does burst into life and provides a stand-out moment of the summer.

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Swimming with dolphins and ancient history in magical Zanzibar

Archie Domville — Thu, 23 Jun 2016 12:21:58 +0000

Few experiences can beat swimming with wild dolphins in crystal-clear and warm waters. But how about doing just this and then returning to a luxury hotel to watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean? That's exactly what's on offer in Zanzibar where, alongside some of the finest hotels on the planet, the small fishing village of Kizimkazi gives nature lovers the chance to enjoy this life-changing experience. Small boats carry tourists out from the centre of the village into the calm waters, where schools of curious and friendly bottle-nosed dolphins await. Alongside this magical experience, you can also see Zanzibar from the sea, giving you the opportunity to really appreciate its natural beauty, complete with lush forests and clean white sandy beaches. For the best chance of seeing the cute cetaceans, get your fisherman-guide to take you to Menai Bay, a picturesque rocky cove where the dolphins like to gather in the late afternoon. But friendly dolphins are not the only attraction awaiting the intrepid holidaymaker in Kizimkazi. The village may be small, but it of huge historical significance. It's here you can find the remains of a mosque, dating back almost 900 years and, since it's the earliest evidence of Islam in the whole of East Africa, is well worth a visit. What's more, the mosque is also decorated with verses from the Koran, widely regarded as the oldest examples of written Swahili anywhere in the world. Visits can be arranged at the entrance to the mosque itself, located just to the north of the main beachfront, but be sure to dress modestly with your legs and shoulders covered up before entering this ancient place of worship. And then, back to your luxury hotel to enjoy a dinner of fish caught from the very area in which you were able to tick swimming with dolphins off the bucket list.

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What type of people stay at luxury hotels?

Archie Domville — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 16:46:17 +0000

A lot of people, when they think of luxury hotels, imagine that a lot of snobs choose to stay here. However, this isn't necessarily the case.Of course, some people don't like to stay anywhere that's less than 5-star, and if they can afford it then why not? Naturally you pay for the level of service you receive and some people prefer that pristine level of luxury.However, luxury hotels aren't reserved for those on higher incomes. Luxury hotels offer services such as room service and world-class spas that are optional. If you're looking to stay in a hotel that offers great service and high-quality amenities then why not splash out for once? Many of them aren't much more expensive than 4-star, and the service you receive really is worth that little bit more.It can't be denied though, you'll probably encounter some people during your visit that you would consider to be a snob. For some people though, the best just isn't good enough. Don't let this affect your stay though. Don't forget, the more polite you are to the staff, the better you'll be treated.In fact, if the staff have had a day where they've unfortunately been inundated by guests who want to complain about anything and everything, then you could find that by being polite and giving a small tip you see great benefits. Let yourself be pampered and enjoy the luxury of these high-quality hotels. Treat yourself to a massage at the spa and enjoy a drink at the bar. You're paying for luxury, so make the most of it and enjoy your break.

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Southeast Asia: The hottest destination for 2016

Archie Domville — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 11:42:31 +0000

Southeast Asia is a hugely popular destination for the budget traveller, and it's easy to see why. However, the low cost while you're out there is just an added bonus. The region has so much to offer, and so much to be seen that can really make your experience special.The area is particularly popular if you're taking an extended trip, as the vivid cultures and fascinating foods really make your holiday stand out. The food is actually one of the top reasons that travellers keep returning to Southeast Asia. From the street snacks in Bangkok, to Vietnamese banquets and Malaysian curry, there's so many options for you to try. Nowhere else in the world can you find cuisine that compares to the diverse, vibrant, colourful, and flavourful food found here.As much as cost isn't necessarily a reason to visit somewhere, if somewhere can still be enjoyed on a budget then it really is that bit sweeter. Many places in Asia such as Vietnam and Laos allow you to easily get by without breaking the bank, and you can still get out there and enjoy the culture too.The same funds that might cover a month in Europe might stretch for several months in parts of Asia. And when it’s cheaper to eat out than to even try to cook, you can fully embrace and enjoy your visit without having to stress too much about your wallet.Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are in Southeast Asia, and since the beach season never ends, you can live in a state of perpetual summer. All year round you can go snorkelling or scuba diving in the crystal waters off of Bali, Thailand or Malaysia, or just relax in a beachside hammock with a drink and a book in utter bliss.

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New vs traditional for hotels

Archie Domville — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 13:37:36 +0000

The hospitality and tourism industry has changed dramatically since the first motel, in San Luis Obispo, California, was opened in 1925. Today there are over 50,000 hotels in the UK, never mind the growth of services such as Airbnb. More than seven million people are employed directly within hospitality and tourism, and even more than that throughout the supply chain. Much like other industries, the biggest players in hospitality and tourism have the benefit of being able to invest in all kinds of technology that enables them to become more efficient. This makes it much more difficult for the smaller providers to compete in such a competitive industry.With this in mind, these smaller players often look to provide a niche that the bigger chains can't give. A hugely popular option for smaller hotels is to offer a traditional stay to their guests. Large hotels strive to stay modern. Everything is clean cut and brand new. This option obviously appeals to many travellers who want the latest technology and to stay connected during their hotel stay.However, for many others the idea of really getting away from it all is what they seek. Smaller 'traditional' hotels focus more on a homely approach than worrying about the quality of the WiFi. Instead of offering room service and five-star cuisine, they instead provide a level of comfort and familiarity that is often lost in these vast hotels. Both options are equally suited to different people. If you want somewhere small and cosy, where all of the staff remember your name then you're much better off going directly to a smaller hotel.If, instead, you want to know that your WiFi will constantly be connected and you can get dinner delivered to your room, then you'd probably prefer a booking with a bigger chain hotel.

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The sommelier, now more than just your wine professional

Archie Domville — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 09:34:51 +0000

Sommeliers are now being hired for much more than their ability to match wine to food. With a growing thirst in the UK for drinks such as craft beers and boutique spirits, restaurants are now embracing a more informal approach to service.The traditional perception of a restaurant sommelier is the starchy in-house wine expert. However, this has seen a shift in recent years, according to Craig Allen, co-founder of recruitment company Change. Speaking to Big Hospitality, the firm says that they are now increasingly being tasked to find staff with a more relaxed approach to the matching of food and drink, both in their delivery and the selection.The high-end and Michelin restaurants now have their chefs designing menus hand-in-hand with their sommelier. This is to ensure that the food and drink pairings can really take the dining experience to the next level. Diners now expect these pairings to include a variety of drinks, including beers, ciders and spirits, as well as the conventional wines.The attitude of the sommelier is now expected to be very different as well. Diners like to discuss the variety of drinks that could compliment their meal, and to know a bit more about the choice they are making. "Historically, when the term sommelier was mentioned, one would immediately picture an intimidating French sommelier who knew far more about wine than you ever would, and would not be interested in your preferences," Mr Allen said."This is now a thing of the past. Modern day sommeliers are becoming a lot more approachable, not only in their rapport with customers but also in their methodology when creating a beverage programme."

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What are the most extravagant things you can order on room service?

Archie Domville — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 15:32:53 +0000

When we think of room service, we usually think of a quick and easy meal that we can have in our room when we're in a rush or have work that has to be done. It's notoriously expensive and can be slow if it's not booked in advance.However, luxury hotels around the world are changing the tides and really turning it into a premium experience. These gems of hospitality will gladly deliver some of their Michelin-starred food to you, post haste. This does come at a cost though, and gratuities aren't included but will generally be expected.This offering really takes luxury travel to the next level. If you want to enjoy lobster and champagne in your bathrobe then you can. That is if you have the money to spend on such luxuries. Generally you'll pay more for food that's delivered from room service in these luxury hotels. This is because your order is made fresh as soon as you'd like it. You don't need to wait for the food, but you do pay for this luxury.So if this is what takes your fancy, then it can really add that layer of luxury to your holiday. You don't need to order a pizza from the local takeaway or go out to a restaurant if you don't fancy it.Kick back and relax in your room, knowing that you're getting the finest food delivered speedily and with great service. Just make sure to tip, else the next time you order it might not be quite as quick or as beautifully presented.

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Is Twitter the new concierge?

Archie Domville — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 11:31:41 +0000

There was a time when going on holiday meant unwinding and unplugging, literally. People would turn off their work emails and leave their mobile phones in their hotel room while they enjoyed that much needed break.Times have changed though, and travellers now have the desire to stay connected. The millennial generation has had a rippling effect, and we now want to be constantly #hashtagging about our holidays in real time. We don't want to wait to get all of our pictures up on Instagram; we want to show off our tans to everyone back home and make sure they're insanely jealous of us on the beach while they're stuck in an office. With guests constantly online, hotels have had to follow suit. Using Twitter as an extension of the concierge allows hotels to be everywhere at once, helping one traveller complete a booking while at the same time scheduling a room cleaning for another.Travellers are using Twitter for everything, from finding deals to sharing experiences with their followers. According to research from the social media network, one in two Twitter users say Twitter content is important when they're considering a travel brand. Hotels are now learning to capitalise on this. Some even have a dedicated page to contact a concierge, where guests can tweet directly to ask for anything, from a toothbrush to room service.You can now even tweet some hotels to request a taxi or another drink by the pool. This is great for hotels too though. Guests can tweet pictures of their time at the hotel, which is additional marketing that's completely free. As technology evolves, hotels will see great benefit from staying on top of the latest trends. By connecting with guests using technology, it can make processes much more efficient and provide higher levels of service.

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London Christmas then and now

Archie Domville — Tue, 29 Dec 2015 20:23:58 +0000

Christmas in London is a fun time these days, with lots of sparkling lights, great events, pantomimes and open-air ice rinks. But the way the capital has marked the festival has changed and developed down the years.There is plenty of eating, drinking and merriment these days, but that is nothing new. Back in medieval times such activity was commonplace and this kind of debauchery led to the celebration of Christmas actually being banned during the Puritan period following the English civil war.However, the celebrations soon returned and a range of traditions became commonplace in London as they did elsewhere, such as the German practice of Christmas trees, something introduced to Buckingham Palace by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and soon adopted by Londoners all over the city, as well as becoming a global tradition.Ironically, it was Germany's defeat in the Second World War that sparked another London Christmas custom. Norway's gratitude to Britain for the help given during the war (including a safe haven for the Norwegian royal family) has been to deliver a huge pine to act as the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree, an annual tradition that has continued to this year.The 19th century was a time when many modern Christmas traditions began in London. Solicitor William Sandys wrote Carols Ancient and Modern in 1833, including classics like The First Noel and God Rest You Merry Gentlemen. Sir Henry Cole introduced Christmas cards in 1843 and four years later Thomas J Smith introduced the Christmas cracker, with these originals containing his sweets rather than the toys, paper hats and terrible jokes we see today.Most notably of all, this period saw Charles Dickens write A Christmas Carol, a classical tale that remains a favourite to this day and does more than any other book to evoke the image of a Victorian Christmas.Christmas Day could also be a good day to see football, both in London and elsewhere, as a great sporting tradition that lasted until 1971, when the law changed and December 25th became an official public holiday. Since then matches have traditionally been played on Boxing day.So while there will always be carols, tinsel, food and drink, Christmas in London has changed a lot down the years - and who knows what new traditions might emerge in the future.

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